a steep drop

USAGE SUMMARY

"a steep drop" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a sudden and sharp decrease in altitude or inclination. Example: As we hiked up the mountain, we came to a section with a steep drop, making it difficult to continue without proper climbing gear.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I predict a steep drop in sales of Lunesta tonight.

The Economist

That was a steep drop from 71,000 in 2006.

The New York Times

Then, he finds himself teetering above a steep drop.

The Guardian - Books

(It also remains open despite a steep drop in traffic).

The New York Times

The jump led to a steep drop for the politics department.

Princeton University

The result is "a steep drop in the average earnings of households".

The New York Times

Its closure coincided with a steep drop in global e-mail volumes.

The Economist

Then this summer it started a steep drop against the dollar.

The Economist

But the decline was mostly a result of a steep drop in aircraft and military orders.

The New York Times

But the decline was largely a result of a steep drop in commercial aircraft orders.

The New York Times

But not usually a steep drop, and not always an enduring one.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decline, consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym. "A steep drop" is suitable for sudden, significant decreases, while other terms might better describe gradual or less dramatic changes.

Common error

Avoid using "a steep drop" when describing a gradual or incremental decrease. This phrase implies a sudden and significant decline, so using it for slow changes can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steep drop" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden and significant decrease in something, whether it's a physical quantity, a value, or a rate. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steep drop" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a sudden and significant decline. Ludwig AI analysis and the numerous examples provided confirm that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, academia, and science. While alternatives exist, such as "a sharp decline" or "a sudden fall", "a steep drop" effectively communicates a rapid and substantial decrease, just ensure you use it for sudden, and not gradual, decreases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp decline

Replaces 'steep' with 'sharp', maintaining the sense of a rapid decrease but with a slightly less dramatic connotation.

a sudden fall

Substitutes 'steep drop' with a more general term for a rapid descent, suitable for various contexts.

a rapid decrease

Replaces 'steep drop' with a more formal expression, emphasizing the speed of the reduction.

a precipitous decline

Uses 'precipitous' to highlight a very sudden and steep drop, adding a sense of danger or instability.

a drastic reduction

Emphasizes the severity of the decrease, suitable when the magnitude of the drop is the primary concern.

a sharp downturn

Specifically used in economic or business contexts to indicate a sudden negative change.

a plunge

A more figurative term for a very rapid and significant drop, often used in financial contexts.

a nosedive

Suggests a very rapid and uncontrolled fall, often used metaphorically for failures.

a tumble

Implies a less severe and possibly recoverable fall, suitable for less dramatic contexts.

a slide

Indicates a gradual but consistent decline, lacking the suddenness of a "steep drop".

FAQs

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

You can use "a steep drop" to describe a sudden and significant decrease in various contexts. For example: "The company experienced "a steep drop" in sales after the product recall" or "There was "a steep drop" in temperature overnight".

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

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

Which is correct, "a steep drop" or "a sharply drop"?

"A steep drop" is correct. "Sharply" is an adverb and doesn't fit the structure of a noun phrase. The adjective "steep" correctly modifies "drop".

What's the difference between ""a steep drop"" and "a gradual decline"?

"A steep drop" suggests a sudden and significant decrease, while "a gradual decline" indicates a slow and steady decrease over time. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the nature of the decrease you are describing.