a steep decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steep decline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant and rapid decrease in something, such as prices, performance, or population. Example: "The company experienced a steep decline in sales after the product recall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a steep decline.

The Washington Post

It's a steep decline in sea ice".

The Guardian

A month later, he was in a steep decline.

The New York Times

After 2000, however, it entered a steep decline.

The New York Times

It was the first step of a steep decline.

The New York Times - Science

A survey of consumer confidence also showed a steep decline.

The Guardian - Business

Today however, Ichiro is in a steep decline.

The Guardian - Sport

It brought a steep decline in the family's income.

The Guardian

The Young's modulus of cl-PAFs loaded with either drug individually exhibited a steep decline.

Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials

As partitioning increases beyond 30%, it leads to a steep decline in total carbon yield.

Metabolic Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

After the market closed on Friday, Yum posted a steep decline in April sales in China.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data trends, use "a steep decline" to emphasize a rapid and significant decrease. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is declining and the factors contributing to the decline.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because you observe "a steep decline" in one area and a change in another, that one necessarily caused the other. Always verify causation with additional evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steep decline" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It describes the action of something decreasing significantly and rapidly. Ludwig examples confirm its common usage in describing decreases across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steep decline" is a commonly used phrase to describe a rapid and significant decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various domains, particularly in news, science, and business contexts. The phrase serves to highlight negative trends, often prompting concern or analysis. When using "a steep decline", ensure you clearly define what is declining and avoid assuming causation without sufficient evidence. Consider alternatives like "a sharp drop" or "a rapid fall" for nuanced emphasis. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp drop

Emphasizes the suddenness and abruptness of the decrease.

a rapid fall

Highlights the quick pace at which something is decreasing.

a significant decrease

Indicates a notable reduction, though not necessarily rapid.

a precipitous drop

Implies a very sudden and dramatic fall, often from a great height.

a marked downturn

Suggests a negative trend or reversal in fortune or condition.

a dramatic reduction

Highlights the magnitude and impact of the decrease.

a substantial loss

Focuses on the amount lost or reduced, rather than the rate.

a considerable decrease

Similar to "a significant decrease" but can imply a more thoughtful observation.

a notable downturn

Emphasizes that the decline is worthy of attention or recognition.

a serious setback

Suggests the decline has had a significantly negative impact.

FAQs

How can I use "a steep decline" in a sentence?

You can use "a steep decline" to describe a rapid and significant decrease in something. For example, "The company experienced a steep decline in profits last quarter."

What are some alternatives to "a steep decline"?

You can use alternatives like "a sharp drop", "a rapid fall", or "a significant decrease depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a steep decline" in formal writing?

Yes, "a steep decline" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing data, trends, or performance metrics. It is frequently used in news, business, and academic contexts.

What is the difference between "a steep decline" and "a gradual decline"?

"A steep decline" indicates a rapid and significant decrease, while "a gradual decline" suggests a slower, more steady decrease over time. The choice depends on the nature of the change you are describing.