a substantial drop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial drop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decrease in quantity, value, or level in various contexts, such as finance, statistics, or general observations. Example: "The company reported a substantial drop in sales this quarter compared to the last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was however a substantial drop in OTC trading.

Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money

The activity then falls off steadily, with a substantial drop after Christmas (in red).

The New Yorker

We had a substantial drop in the first quarter of this year.

The New York Times

But it also found that marijuana use experienced a substantial drop at the same age.

The Washington Post

Our workers are facing a substantial drop in their standard of living and continued high unemployment.

The New York Times

A substantial drop to a level of, say, $1.10 by the end of 2011 isn't impossible.

The New York Times

The anode dryout results in a substantial drop in cell voltage and hence temporary power loss.

Electrochimica Acta

An urgent programme to vaccinate children, teenagers and young adults has led to a substantial drop in the numbers unprotected.

The Guardian

In this case, though, a pretty modest rate of growth has been associated with a substantial drop in unemployment.

The New Yorker

Between the three countries, there were around 55 strikes this year, a substantial drop from the roughly 92 in 2012.

The Guardian

Its imports from Australia, the only country in the group not experiencing a substantial drop in exports, have soared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial drop" when you want to emphasize the significance of a decrease, ensuring your audience understands the magnitude of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial drop" for minor reductions; reserve it for cases where the decrease is truly significant to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial drop" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant decrease or reduction, as illustrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial drop" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a significant reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, including news reporting, scientific literature, and business communications. When using this phrase, be sure the decrease is truly significant to accurately convey the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "a significant decrease" or "a considerable decline" to fine-tune your expression. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant decrease

Emphasizes the importance of the reduction; slightly more formal.

a considerable decline

Highlights a downward trend, often over a period.

a marked reduction

Suggests the change is easily noticeable.

a large downturn

Implies a negative economic shift or business impact.

a steep fall

Conveys a rapid and significant descent.

a sharp decrease

Focuses on the abruptness and magnitude of the decline.

a notable diminution

More formal, indicating a lessening in size or importance.

a major setback

Emphasizes the negative consequences of the drop.

a heavy loss

Focuses on what has been forfeited or negatively impacted.

a considerable contraction

Suggests a reduction in size or scope, often in business or economics.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial drop" to describe a significant decrease in something. For example, "There was a substantial drop in the company's profits this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial drop"?

Alternatives include "a significant decrease", "a considerable decline", or "a marked reduction", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a substantial drop" in formal writing?

Yes, "a substantial drop" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the notable extent of the decrease. However, always consider the specific tone and audience.

How does "a substantial drop" compare to "a slight drop"?

"A substantial drop" indicates a significant decrease, whereas "a slight drop" suggests a minor one. The choice depends on the degree of reduction you want to convey.