a steep decrease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steep decrease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or rapid reduction in quantity, value, or intensity. Example: "The company experienced a steep decrease in sales during the last quarter, prompting management to reevaluate their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Last month, Morgan Stanley reported a steep decrease in its earnings because of some wrong bets on the direction of interest rates by its bond traders.

The New York Times

Fortunately, these numbers represent a steep decrease from the epidemic scale of infection prior to the development of the cootie vaccine, which has drastically reduced outbreaks.

The New Yorker

One significant outcome of the coming cuts, officials said, could be a steep decrease in the number of intelligence analysts assigned to the region.

The New York Times

What worries some experts is that some of the problems here are all too common, a steep decrease in property and sales taxes and transfer fees as a result of weakness in the housing market.

The New York Times

A steep decrease in self-inflicted shootings among 10- to-14-year-olds helped make suicides by hanging or other forms of suffocation more common than gun suicides in that age group, researchers said.

The New York Times

But the especially sharp decline in the 2009 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, was a sign of a steep decrease in the flow of migrant workers from Mexico and Central America, immigration officials and researchers said.

The New York Times

A study in July by the Pew Hispanic Center, part of the Pew organization, found a steep decrease in recent years in the flow of Mexican migrants, especially since 2007.

The New York Times

A power law distribution of apertures will cause a steep decrease in conductivity at low pressures.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Subsequently, a steep decrease of 5 10 mm over about an hour is evident.

Earth, Planets and Space

A power law distribution of apertures causes a steep decrease in conductivity at low pressures.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

A power law distribution of aperture thus causes a steep decrease in conductivity at low pressures.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decrease, consider the context and choose a synonym that accurately reflects the speed and magnitude of the change. For example, use "a sharp decline" when referring to a sudden drop, and "a gradual reduction" when describing a slower change.

Common error

Avoid using "a steep decrease" when the reduction is actually gradual or insignificant. Quantify the decrease with specific numbers or percentages to provide a clearer picture for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a steep decrease" is to act as a noun phrase that describes a significant reduction. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it is usable in written English to indicate a notable decline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a steep decrease" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a significant reduction. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s appropriate for various contexts, including science, news, and business. When using the phrase, consider whether it accurately reflects the speed and magnitude of the change, and avoid using it when the reduction is gradual. Alternatives such as "a sharp decline" or "a rapid reduction" might be more fitting depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp decline

This phrase emphasizes the suddenness and rapidity of the decrease.

a precipitous drop

This suggests a very sudden and dramatic fall, often implying a loss of control.

a rapid reduction

This highlights the speed at which the decrease occurs.

a significant downturn

This phrase suggests a negative trend or change in a specific area, often in business or economics.

a substantial fall

Emphasizes the magnitude or importance of the reduction.

a marked reduction

This highlights how noticeable the decrease is.

a considerable diminution

This is a more formal and less common way of expressing a significant decrease.

a dramatic plunge

This suggests a sudden, forceful, and often unexpected decrease.

a radical decrement

This emphasizes the magnitude and potentially unexpected nature of the decrease.

a severe contraction

This phrase is often used in economic contexts to describe a shrinking or decline.

FAQs

What does "a steep decrease" mean?

The phrase "a steep decrease" refers to a significant and rapid reduction in something, such as quantity, value, or intensity. It suggests a sharp decline rather than a gradual change.

What can I say instead of "a steep decrease"?

You can use alternatives like "a sharp decline", "a precipitous drop", or "a rapid reduction depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a steep decrease from"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "a steep decrease from" is used to indicate a significant reduction compared to a previous level or amount. For example, "There was a steep decrease from last year's sales figures."

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

"A steep decrease" implies a quick and substantial reduction, whereas "a gradual decrease" suggests a slow and steady decline over time. The choice depends on the rate at which the reduction occurs.