a sharp fall

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sharp fall" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a sudden, significant decline in a certain area. For example, "The stock market experienced a sharp fall after the announcement of rising inflation rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A sharp fall in the number of new infections followed.

Independent

This has meant a sharp fall in purchasing power.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is because of a sharp fall in student satisfaction.

The Guardian

The boom is being spurred by a sharp fall in prices and improvements in performance.

The Economist

And a sharp fall in food and oil prices has already considerably reduced the import bill.

The Economist

They experience a sharp fall in blood pressure and an escape of fluid into the tissues.

Independent

A recent poll found a sharp fall in Mr Zelaya's approval rating, to just 25%.

The Economist

In both countries GDP rebounded in 2010 after a sharp fall in 2009.

The Economist

That would trigger a sharp fall in demand for Saudi oil.

The Economist

Most countries have seen a sharp fall in government spending' share during the past decade.

The Economist

Once again, growth was dragged down by a sharp fall in housing investment.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sharp fall", ensure you quantify the fall with specific data or metrics to provide context and impact. For example, "a sharp fall of 20% in sales".

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp fall" without providing specific context or measurable data. For instance, instead of saying "There was a sharp fall in performance", specify what aspect of performance declined and by how much.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp fall" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden and significant decrease in something, as Ludwig confirms. Examples include "a sharp fall in prices" and "witnessed a sharp fall away in factory activity."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp fall" is a common noun phrase used to describe a sudden and significant decrease, often with negative implications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase appears frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. For best use, quantify the fall with specific metrics and avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "a steep decline" and "a rapid drop", providing nuanced options depending on the desired emphasis. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and ensure clarity in conveying decreases and declines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a steep decline

Emphasizes the angle and rapidity of the decrease.

a rapid drop

Focuses on the speed and abruptness of the reduction.

a sudden decrease

Highlights the unexpected nature of the reduction.

a marked reduction

Stresses the noticeable and significant extent of the decrease.

a precipitous drop

Implies a very sudden and dramatic fall, similar to a steep cliff.

a significant downturn

Suggests a negative trend or reversal of fortune.

a drastic reduction

Highlights the severity and intensity of the decrease.

a considerable lessening

Focuses on the magnitude or extent of the decrease.

a notable depreciation

Specifically refers to a decrease in value or worth.

a substantial weakening

Indicates a loss of strength or effectiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp fall" to describe a sudden and significant decrease. For example, "The company reported "a sharp fall" in profits due to increased competition".

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

"A sharp fall" implies a sudden and rapid decrease, whereas "a gradual decline" suggests a slow and progressive decrease over time.

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

You can use alternatives like "a steep decline", "a rapid drop", or "a sudden decrease" depending on the context.

Is it always negative when describing "a sharp fall"?

Yes, "a sharp fall" typically implies a negative consequence or outcome, as it denotes a significant and often undesirable decrease in something.