a significant drop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant drop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a notable decrease in quantity, value, or performance in various contexts, such as finance, statistics, or general observations. Example: "The company reported a significant drop in sales during the last quarter, prompting a review of their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A significant drop.

The Guardian - Money

"We view this as a significant drop".

The New York Times

tests, which revealed a significant drop in I.Q.

The New York Times

The Ricketts waterfalls aren't Niagaras, though the highest, at 94 feet, is a significant drop.

The New York Times - Travel

The company blamed lower advertising revenue, including a significant drop in political advertising for 2007.

The New York Times

Naturally, this is likely to lead to a significant drop in charitable donations.

The New Yorker

There's been a significant drop in the teenage suicide rate over the past six years.

The New York Times - Books

"That's quite a significant drop," said John S. Quarterman, the chief technical officer of Matrix.net.net

The New York Times

This contributed to a significant drop in overall prices for electricity bought wholesale by large consumers.

The Guardian

One other large magazine also saw a significant drop in subscribers.

The New York Times

If they don't, there would be a significant drop in house prices, particularly in central London.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or changes over time, use "a significant drop" to clearly indicate a notable decrease. Provide context by specifying what is decreasing and the period over which it occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant drop" when the decrease is minimal or statistically insignificant. Ensure that the drop is substantial enough to warrant the adjective "significant" to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant drop" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing quantifiable decreases in various contexts. Its primary function is to denote a notable reduction in something measurable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant drop" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a notable decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various writing styles, though primarily suited for neutral to formal contexts such as news reporting, scientific publications, and business communications. While alternatives like "a considerable decline" or "a marked decrease" exist, "a significant drop" clearly and effectively conveys a noteworthy reduction. Use it when you want to highlight a substantial decrease, being mindful of overstating the significance of the drop. The phrase is frequently found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its place as a reliable and precise way to describe a decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable decline

Replaces "drop" with "decline" and "significant" with "considerable", emphasizing the extent of the reduction.

a marked decrease

Substitutes "drop" with "decrease" and "significant" with "marked", highlighting the clear and noticeable reduction.

a substantial reduction

Uses "reduction" instead of "drop" and "substantial" for "significant", focusing on the considerable lowering of something.

a notable fall

Replaces "drop" with "fall" and "significant" with "notable", indicating a noteworthy decline.

a sharp decrease

Emphasizes the sudden and rapid nature of the decline by using "sharp" instead of "significant".

a steep decline

Suggests a rapid and substantial fall, similar to a sharp decrease but potentially more dramatic.

a major downturn

Implies a decline, often in economic terms, that is substantial and impactful.

a noticeable dip

Indicates a temporary or slight decrease, less severe than "significant drop" but still observable.

a considerable lessening

Focuses on the reduction of something in terms of amount or intensity.

a tangible diminution

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a clear and measurable decrease.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant drop" to describe a notable decrease in something. For example, "The company reported "a significant drop" in profits this quarter."

What can I say instead of "a significant drop"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable decline", "a marked decrease", or "a substantial reduction" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a significant drop" and "a slight drop"?

Yes, "a significant drop" indicates a notable and important decrease, while "a slight drop" suggests a small and often less impactful decrease. The choice depends on the magnitude of the decrease you are describing.

Which is more formal, "a significant drop" or "a big drop"?

"A significant drop" is more formal than "a big drop". "Significant" is generally preferred in professional or academic writing, while "big" is more suitable for informal contexts.