a sudden decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden decline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an abrupt or unexpected decrease in something, such as performance, health, or economic conditions. Example: "The company experienced a sudden decline in sales after the product recall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"There is a point," Dr. Green said, "when there is a sudden decline".

The New York Times - Science

A week later, she was laid off by the hotel as the city faced a sudden decline in tourism.

The New York Times

As a longtime star facing a sudden decline in popularity and a challenge from an unscrupulous ingénue, she's the Bette Davis to Hayden Panettiere's Anne Baxter.

The New York Times - Arts

The fossil evidence of land dwellers, however, suggests a gradual rather than a sudden decline in dinosaurian diversity (and possibly abundance).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a city where Lincoln Square's first tenant, announced with much fanfare, was Drugstore.com, reasons for a sudden decline in demand for office space are self-evident.

The New York Times

With a sudden decline in tourism, Mauritania is spending all available resources on security and combating al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Despite having broken his hip in May," the agency said, "his health had been excellent until a rather sudden decline after the new year.

The New York Times - Books

"Despite having broken his hip in May, his health had been excellent until a rather sudden decline after the new year," the statement said.

Los Angeles Times

Salinger's literary representative told The New York Times that the writer had broken his hip in May 2009, but that "his health had been excellent until a rather sudden decline after the new year".

Wikipedia

The onset of SE was considered to be the beginning of clinical seizure activity or a significant or sudden decline in neurologic function.

Critical Care

Conceivably, phenotypic traits or physiological measures could follow a progressive decline with chronological age, an age-independent and more sudden decline, or a combination of the two.

Experimental Gerontology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "a sudden decline" to emphasize an unexpected and rapid decrease. This phrasing is effective for highlighting critical turning points or unexpected negative changes.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden decline" when the decrease is gradual or anticipated. Instead, opt for phrases like "a gradual decrease" or "a steady decline" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden decline" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing an abrupt decrease or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden decline" is a versatile phrase used to describe an unexpected and rapid decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the decrease is indeed sudden and not gradual, and consider alternatives like "an abrupt drop" or "a rapid downturn" to add nuance. The phrase serves to highlight turning points and potentially negative changes, urging consideration of impacts and causes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt drop

Focuses on the quickness and unexpectedness of the fall.

a rapid downturn

Emphasizes the speed and negative direction of the change.

a precipitous fall

Highlights the steepness and suddenness of the decrease.

a sharp downturn

Indicates a significant and relatively quick negative change.

an unexpected drop-off

Stresses the unforeseen nature of the reduction.

a swift decrease

Emphasizes the speed at which something lessens.

a marked deterioration

Highlights a noticeable worsening of a condition or situation.

a dramatic reduction

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the decrease.

a fast diminution

Focuses on the pace at which something reduces or diminishes.

a surprising decrease

Highlights the unexpectedness of the lessening.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden decline" to describe an unexpected decrease in something. For instance, "The company experienced "a sudden decline" in profits after the new regulations were implemented".

What are some alternatives to "a sudden decline"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an abrupt drop", "a rapid downturn", or "a precipitous fall", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a sudden decline" or "a gradual decline"?

The choice depends on the context. Use ""a sudden decline"" when the decrease is unexpected and rapid. Use "a gradual decline" when the decrease occurs slowly over time.

What causes "a sudden decline"?

The reasons for ""a sudden decline"" can vary greatly depending on the context. Examples can be triggered by economic downturns, unexpected policy changes, or shifts in consumer behavior.