a steep dive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steep dive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or rapid decrease in something, such as prices, performance, or interest. Example: "The company's stock took a steep dive after the disappointing earnings report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Then they saw the plane take a steep dive to the ground.

The New York Times

"He told us they went into a steep dive that he was not able to recover from," Sergeant Light said.

The New York Times

A plane carrying parachutists went into a steep dive before crashing into a house; all 11 persons aboard the craft and one person on the ground were killed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An important type of bomber to emerge in the interwar period was the dive bomber, designed to release its bombs at a low point of a steep dive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They pulled up at a sharp angle, causing a loss of speed, then tried to gain it back by going into a steep dive at 2,200 feet.

Independent

The first new type to gain prominence was the dive bomber, which makes a steep dive toward the target before releasing its bombs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Combined, these factors help explain why solar stocks over the past 52 weeks and even in October, took a steeper dive than the Nasdaq Composite.

Forbes

"I thought, 'What a crazy person in this kind of weather.' Next thing, sounded like it was in a very steep dive, the engine was just screaming," Mr. Hunter said.

The New York Times

GOP support for such policies, however, has been dropping ever since, with an especially steep dive after President Obama took office.

Huffington Post

The recovery, a rebound from Wall Street's steep dive last week, came despite losses earlier in the day in Asia and Europe.

The New York Times

Bank of America's trading business, which includes the Merrill Lynch operation, had a drop in income because of the steep dive the stock market took during the spring.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sudden and significant decline in a measurable quantity such as stock prices or economic indicators, use "a steep dive" to convey the severity and rapidity of the fall.

Common error

Avoid using "a steep dive" to describe a gradual or long-term decline. This phrase suggests a sudden and rapid drop, not a slow, incremental decrease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steep dive" functions as a noun phrase often used as an object or complement within a sentence. It typically describes a sudden and significant decrease or decline, whether literal (like an aircraft) or metaphorical (like stock prices). Ludwig provides examples across various contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steep dive" is a noun phrase used to describe a rapid and significant decline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and encyclopedic sources. While it can be used in various contexts, it is best suited to describe sudden and impactful decreases rather than gradual declines. Consider alternatives like "a sharp decline" or "a sudden drop" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid using "a steep dive" when describing a gradual decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp decline

Focuses on the rapid decrease in quantity or quality, similar to a steep dive but less dramatic.

a sudden drop

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the fall, whereas "a steep dive" also implies a significant angle or rate of descent.

a rapid descent

Highlights the speed of downward movement, applicable in physical or metaphorical contexts like "a steep dive".

a precipitous fall

Suggests an abrupt and significant downturn, similar to the intensity implied by "a steep dive".

a nosedive

A more informal term suggesting a direct and uncontrolled fall, comparable to the dramatic imagery of "a steep dive".

a downward spiral

Implies a continuous and worsening decline, whereas "a steep dive" suggests a quicker, more immediate drop.

a dramatic plunge

Emphasizes the intensity and visibility of the decline, akin to the visual impact of "a steep dive".

a sharp downturn

Focuses on the shift to a worse state or condition, sharing the sense of negativity and decline with "a steep dive".

a freefall

Suggests a lack of control during the descent, similar to the potential consequences implied by "a steep dive".

a crash

Implies a sudden and often destructive end, sharing the negative connotations of a severe and rapid decline like "a steep dive".

FAQs

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

You can use "a steep dive" to describe a rapid and significant decline in something, such as "The company's profits took "a steep dive" after the new regulations were implemented".

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

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

Is it appropriate to use "a steep dive" when talking about positive trends?

No, "a steep dive" implies a negative trend. It's best used when describing something rapidly decreasing or worsening, not improving.

Which is correct, "a steep dive" or "a deep dive"?

While both phrases exist, they have different meanings. "A deep dive" refers to a thorough and detailed examination, while "a steep dive" refers to a rapid decline.