a sharp slowdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp slowdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decrease in speed, activity, or progress in various contexts, such as economics or project timelines. Example: "The company experienced a sharp slowdown in sales during the last quarter, prompting management to reevaluate their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A sharp slowdown would have serious consequences for Mr Zapatero.

The Economist

A sharp slowdown in refinancing hurt the bank's mortgage business.

The Guardian - Business

Rather, the shock has come through a sharp slowdown in exports.

The Economist

Months into a sharp slowdown, Ms. Rousseff's approval ratings stand at more than 60 percent.

The New York Times

This offers some hope that investment can be curbed without a sharp slowdown.

The Economist

A sharp slowdown in America could conceivably tip Japan back into recession.

The Economist

But several economists and financial analysts say China could be heading for a sharp slowdown.

The New York Times

It also represented a sharp slowdown from 11.6 percent in October and 9.9 percent in September.

The New York Times

Grim data also pointed to a sharp slowdown in economic growth around the globe.

The New York Times

There is a high chance of a sharp slowdown sometime within the next ten years.

The Economist

Countries from China to Canada have the wherewithal to counter a sharp slowdown themselves.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing economic trends or business performance, use "a sharp slowdown" to convey a significant and rapid decrease in growth or activity. This term effectively communicates the severity and abruptness of the change.

Common error

Avoid attributing "a sharp slowdown" to overly simplistic causes. Economic downturns are often the result of complex, interacting factors. Acknowledge the potential for multiple contributing elements for a more nuanced analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp slowdown" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of event or condition—a notable decrease in activity or progress. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent use in contexts discussing economic performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sharp slowdown" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a significant and rapid decrease in activity or progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and business contexts. Its purpose is generally to inform or warn about negative trends, and its register ranges from neutral to professional. While alternatives like "sudden deceleration" or "steep decline" exist, "a sharp slowdown" is a direct and widely understood way to convey this concept, especially when analyzing economic trends or business performance. When using the term, consider the complexity of potential causes rather than oversimplifying the explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden deceleration

Emphasizes the abruptness of the decrease in speed or progress.

a rapid deceleration

Highlights the speed at which the slowdown occurs.

a steep decline

Focuses on the magnitude and suddenness of the reduction.

a marked deceleration

Stresses the noticeable or significant nature of the slowdown.

a precipitous fall

Implies a very steep and sudden drop.

a significant downturn

Indicates a notable negative shift or decline.

a dramatic decrease

Highlights the considerable and impactful reduction.

a severe contraction

Suggests a significant reduction in size or scale.

a substantial weakening

Emphasizes the loss of strength or momentum.

a noticeable tapering

Suggests a gradual but clear reduction in something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp slowdown" to describe a rapid decrease in activity, growth, or progress. For example: "The construction sector experienced "a sharp slowdown" in the last quarter.".

What's a good alternative to "a sharp slowdown"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "sudden deceleration", "steep decline", or "significant downturn" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "a sharp slowdown" or "a gradual slowdown"?

The choice depends on the nature of the change you're describing. "A sharp slowdown" indicates a rapid and significant decrease, while "a gradual slowdown" suggests a more moderate and progressive reduction. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.

What are the economic implications of "a sharp slowdown"?

A sharp slowdown can lead to reduced investment, decreased consumer spending, and potential job losses. It often signals broader economic instability and can prompt policy interventions to stimulate growth.