a sharp downturn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp downturn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decline in a particular situation, often related to economics or business. Example: "The company experienced a sharp downturn in sales during the last quarter, prompting management to reevaluate their strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

By the same logic, a sharp downturn can shake confidence.

The Economist

The company is suffering through a sharp downturn in sales.

The New York Times

That may change, in the event of a sharp downturn in the global economy.

The Economist

That makes a sharp downturn in China less likely in the near future.

The Economist

Global financial difficulties led to a sharp downturn in industrial activity in Syria in early 2009.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such programs allowed German unemployment to fall during much of 2009 despite a sharp downturn.

The New York Times

They see "a substantial likelihood of a sharp downturn in the United States".

The New Yorker

But the summers are normally warm enough to cause a sharp downturn in flu cases.

The Economist

Corporate borrowing in the bond market is also in a sharp downturn.

The New York Times

It is these excesses that leave America especially vulnerable to a sharp downturn.

The Economist

And as Wall Street took a sharp downturn, the financial community was further damaged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing economic conditions, using "a sharp downturn" adds emphasis to the severity and suddenness of the decline. This is particularly useful in news reports or economic analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp downturn" to describe minor fluctuations. Reserve it for significant and impactful declines to maintain credibility and avoid exaggerating the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp downturn" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing significant declines in economic activity, sales, or other measurable quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp downturn" is a frequently used phrase, primarily within news and media contexts, to describe a significant and sudden decline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various scenarios, especially when discussing economic or business matters. While "a sharp downturn" is appropriate for formal and semi-formal communication, it's crucial to reserve it for describing substantial declines to avoid exaggeration. Alternatives like "a steep decline" or "a significant decrease" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Given its prevalence in authoritative sources such as the New York Times and The Economist, using "a sharp downturn" adds credibility and clarity when discussing notable decreases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a steep decline

Emphasizes the sudden and rapid nature of the decrease.

a significant decrease

Highlights the importance and magnitude of the reduction.

a marked reduction

Stresses the noticeable and evident nature of the decline.

a precipitous drop

Suggests a sudden and dramatic fall, often unexpected.

a substantial fall

Indicates a considerable and noteworthy decrease.

a sudden slump

Implies a sudden and unexpected decline, particularly in economic activity.

a rapid decrease

Focuses on the speed at which the decline occurs.

a severe contraction

Emphasizes the intensity and negative impact of the decline.

a notable decline

Highlights the observation and noteworthiness of the decline.

a considerable reduction

Underscores the substantial and measurable nature of the decrease.

FAQs

How can I use "a sharp downturn" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp downturn" to describe a significant decline in various contexts, such as "The economy experienced "a sharp downturn" due to the pandemic" or "The company faced "a sharp downturn" in sales after the product recall".

What's the difference between "a sharp downturn" and "a gradual decline"?

"A sharp downturn" implies a sudden and significant decrease, whereas "a gradual decline" suggests a slow and progressive decrease over time. The choice depends on the speed and severity of the decline you want to describe.

Which is correct, "sharp downturn" or "a sharp downturn"?

Both phrases can be correct, but "a sharp downturn" is more common and grammatically standard as it includes the article "a", which is typical for singular countable nouns. "Sharp downturn" may be used in headlines or abbreviated contexts.

What can I say instead of "a sharp downturn"?

You can use alternatives like "a steep decline", "a significant decrease", or "a precipitous drop" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.