a small fall of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small fall of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor amount of precipitation, such as rain or snow. Example: "The weather forecast predicts a small fall of snow overnight, so be prepared for a chilly morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Over the year however, the figures show a small fall of 1.4% in sales of Scottish goods abroad.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Clothing and footwear prices fell by 5.7% between June and July, compared with a smaller fall of 3.2% during the same period last year.

The Guardian - Business

There was a smaller fall of 12% in admissions with length of stay of >2 days.

Plosone

It is known that anesthetic technique influence PTH levels during the minutes following induction to anaesthesia [ 22], in that way excising a possible parathyroid adenoma too fast in a high responder, may lead to a smaller fall of PTH than expected.

BioMed Research International

This was due to a rise in variation between LHCCs of 31% compared to a small fall within LHCCs of 2%.

BMC Health Services Research

If anything there has been a small fall in the number of sexual crime victims rates in the past year.

The Guardian

This year's results show a small fall in the proportion of top grades awarded in England and Wales - but a larger fall in Northern Ireland.

BBC

24 However, the latest Scottish prevalence estimates show a small fall in the prevalence of problem drug use between 2000 and 2003.

British Medical Journal

Staffordshire county council reported a relatively small fall of 3%.

The Guardian

February is expected to show a small fall in numbers as a result of the cancellation of two-centre trips combining Jordan and Egypt.

The Guardian - Travel

The available data show only a small fall in the dollar's share of holdings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or statistics, use "a small fall of" to indicate a slight decrease, ensuring the context clearly defines what is falling (e.g., "a small fall of sales").

Common error

Avoid using "a small fall of" when describing a significant decline; choose a phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the change (e.g., a sharp drop, a considerable decrease).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small fall of" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a slight decrease or reduction. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples where the phrase describes minor declines in various contexts like sales or admissions. It specifies the degree of reduction, avoiding ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small fall of" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate a slight decrease or reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While the phrase is relatively rare, it is suitable for formal and neutral registers, making it appropriate for news, scientific, and professional communications. Be sure to use it when describing minor reductions, and avoid it if the decline is significant. Alternatives such as ""slight decrease in"" or ""modest drop in"" can also be considered for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight decrease in

Replaces "fall" with "decrease", emphasizing the reduction aspect.

a minor reduction of

Substitutes "fall" with "reduction", suggesting a measured decline.

a modest drop in

Uses "drop" instead of "fall", implying a downward movement.

a marginal decline of

Replaces "small" with "marginal" and "fall" with "decline", indicating a minimal change.

a negligible decrease of

Emphasizes the insignificance of the fall by using "negligible".

a fractional reduction in

Highlights the minute nature of the reduction.

a tiny dip in

Uses "dip" to suggest a brief and shallow decline.

a minimal lessening of

Substitutes "fall" with "lessening", indicating a reduction in intensity or degree.

a limited downturn in

Replaces "fall" with "downturn", suggesting a temporary decline in activity or performance.

a slight diminution of

Uses "diminution" to indicate a reduction in size or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "a small fall of" in a sentence?

You can use "a small fall of" to describe a slight decrease or reduction in something. For example, "There was "a small fall of" interest rates this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "a small fall of"?

Alternatives include "slight decrease in", "minor reduction of", or "modest drop in" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a small fall of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small fall of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing data or trends. However, consider more precise language if the context demands it.

What's the difference between "a small fall of" and "a sharp fall of"?

"A small fall of" indicates a slight decrease, while "a sharp fall of" signifies a significant and rapid decline. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you are describing.