a sharp drop in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp drop in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decrease in a particular metric or value, such as prices, performance, or statistics. Example: "There was a sharp drop in sales during the last quarter, prompting the company to reevaluate its marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many offices have recorded a sharp drop in caseloads.

The Guardian

Mostly he frets about a sharp drop in female readership.

The New York Times - Arts

Moreover, a sharp drop in Boeing dragged on the Dow.

The New York Times

"Largely because of a sharp drop in video game sales".

The Guardian - Tech

The announcement of the circulation problems caused a sharp drop in International's share price.

Harvard University

DBMS thrashing is indicated by the existence of a sharp drop in transaction throughput.

Information Systems

The Bank of Japan's tankan survey showed a sharp drop in business sentiment.

The Economist

This implies a sharp drop in the Dow within four months.

The Economist

This has led to a sharp drop in the cost of corporate loans.

The New York Times

By comparison, Goldman's settlement last year triggered banner headlines and a sharp drop in its stock.

The New York Times

Like other luxury publications (and most magazines), T had a sharp drop in advertising last year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sharp drop in", ensure the context clearly defines what is decreasing and the time frame over which the decrease occurs. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp drop in" without specifying what is experiencing the drop. For example, instead of saying "There was a sharp drop in something", be specific: "There was a sharp drop in customer satisfaction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp drop in" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a noticeable and significant decrease in a specific quantity or metric. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sharp drop in" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe a significant decline in a specific metric or value. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and widely employed across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, its neutral tone makes it particularly well-suited for professional communications. When using this phrase, clarity is key; always specify what is declining to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a significant decline in" or "a steep decrease in" offer nuanced options to convey the same core meaning. Remember to consider the speed and magnitude of the drop when choosing the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant decline in

Changes the adjective to "significant" maintaining a similar level of intensity.

a steep decrease in

Replaces "sharp drop" with "steep decrease", offering a slightly different visual metaphor for the decline.

a marked reduction in

Substitutes "sharp drop" with "marked reduction", focusing on the act of reducing rather than the visual of a drop.

a considerable fall in

Uses "considerable fall" instead of "sharp drop", emphasizing the magnitude of the decrease.

a noticeable downturn in

Replaces "drop" with "downturn", suggesting a negative trend or change in direction.

a substantial slide in

Changes "drop" to "slide", implying a gradual but significant decline.

a precipitous decline in

Uses "precipitous decline", highlighting the sudden and rapid nature of the decrease.

a dramatic plunge in

Substitutes "drop" with "plunge", conveying a more forceful and rapid decrease.

a sudden slump in

Replaces "drop" with "slump", suggesting a sudden and unexpected decline.

a severe contraction in

Changes the phrase to "severe contraction", emphasizing the reduction in size or scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp drop in" to describe a significant decrease in something. For example: "There was a sharp drop in sales last quarter."

What's a good alternative to "a sharp drop in"?

Alternatives include "a significant decline in", "a steep decrease in", or "a marked reduction in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a sharp drop in" or "a sudden drop in"?

The choice between "a sharp drop in" and "a sudden drop in" depends on whether you want to emphasize the magnitude or the speed of the decrease. "Sharp" implies a significant amount, while "sudden" emphasizes the quickness of the change.

Can "a sharp drop in" be used in both formal and informal writing?

"A sharp drop in" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is a common and widely understood expression. However, for highly formal contexts, consider more precise or technical alternatives like "a precipitous decline".