a sharp reduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp reduction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decrease in quantity, size, or intensity. Example: "The company reported a sharp reduction in its expenses over the last quarter, leading to increased profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There's been a sharp reduction in child mortality.

The Guardian

That would require a sharp reduction in energy growth.

The Economist

That could foreshadow a sharp reduction in consumption if the stock market slumps.

The New York Times

This was a sharp reduction from the operating profit of £19.5m made in 2007.

The Guardian - Business

The McCain-Feingold bill will probably produce a sharp reduction in soft money overall, experts say.

The New York Times

It also recommended a sharp reduction in corporate capital expenditure in coming years.

The New York Times

A sharp reduction in Israeli work permits would be economically devastating for the Palestinians.

The New York Times

Retailers are compounding the gloom with October sales figures showing a sharp reduction in spending.

The Guardian - Business

This year, the company has cut that back to $6.5 million, a sharp reduction.

The New York Times

It worked, delivering a sharp reduction in pollution at lower-than-predicted cost.

The New York Times

The ruling is likely to see a sharp reduction in its use.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp reduction" to emphasize a notable and immediate decrease. It is particularly effective when highlighting changes in quantifiable data or measurable impacts.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp reduction" when a more nuanced description is needed. For gradual decreases or situations where the degree of reduction is subjective, consider alternatives like "a gradual decline" or "a slight decrease".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp reduction" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It describes a specific instance of decreasing something significantly, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp reduction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability in various contexts. It is most commonly found in news, science, and formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a notable and often immediate decline. While highly versatile, avoid overuse in descriptive contexts where more nuanced language might be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "a significant decrease" or "a steep decline" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp diminution

Replaces 'reduction' with 'diminution', suggesting a lessening or decrease, often gradual.

a sharp drawdown

Substitutes 'reduction' with 'drawdown', typically used in financial contexts to denote a decrease in investment value.

a strong reduction

Replaces 'sharp' with 'strong', indicating a potent or considerable decrease.

a sizable reduction

Uses 'sizable' instead of 'sharp', implying a considerable or substantial decrease.

a sharp attenuation

Replaces 'reduction' with 'attenuation', often used in scientific or technical contexts to refer to a decrease in signal strength or intensity.

a notable reduction

Substitutes 'sharp' with 'notable', emphasizing that the decrease is significant and worthy of attention.

a considerable reduction

Uses 'considerable' instead of 'sharp', suggesting a reduction that is substantial and worthy of consideration.

a sudden reduction

Replaces 'sharp' with 'sudden', highlighting the abrupt nature of the decrease.

a drastic reduction

Uses 'drastic' instead of 'sharp', implying that the reduction is extreme and severe.

a substantial reduction

Replaces 'sharp' with 'substantial', indicating a reduction that is significant in amount or degree.

FAQs

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

Use "a sharp reduction" to describe a significant and noticeable decrease. For example, "The new policy led to "a sharp reduction" in crime rates."

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

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

Which is correct, "a sharp reduction" or "a rapid increase"?

Both phrases are correct, but they describe opposite trends. "A sharp reduction" indicates a significant decrease, while "a rapid increase" signifies a significant rise.

What's the difference between "a sharp reduction" and "a gradual decrease"?

"A sharp reduction" implies a sudden and significant decrease, while "a gradual decrease" suggests a slow, steady decline over time.