a surprising dip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a surprising dip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected decrease in a particular metric, such as sales, performance, or statistics. Example: "The report revealed a surprising dip in customer satisfaction ratings this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If the adjustment is too small, home price measures could show a surprising dip.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's not surprising – dipping your hands into a bowl of flour is one of the great pleasures of cooking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lost in space effects, enchantingly warped guitars, beats that scratch at the door and surprising dips into soul and R&B all vie for attention space.

Los Angeles Times

The following video offers a surprising number of fires, dips in kiddie pools, and other slips and pranks that leave Leno laughing in embarrassment.

Huffington Post

In one of the rare instances when the two men's dialogue isn't too rambling to quote, it dips into a surprising take on British Romanticism.

The New York Times - Books

Lightly fried tofu cubes are a surprising appetizer, paired with a delicious ginger-soy dipping sauce and a refreshing cucumber and cilantro salad.

The New York Times

Peas, say, including sugar snaps and mangetout; asparagus (lovely dipped into garlicky mayonnaise); and a surprising range of roots, including beetroot, celeriac and even parsnip.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bulger mounted a surprising defense.

The New Yorker

It's a surprising contradiction.

The New York Times

Despite all this talk about a potential double-dip recession, the Dow Jones transportation average, an index measuring the performance of 20 major air, rail, marine and trucking transportation stocks, is up by a surprising 8 percent so far this year.

The New York Times

A surprising choice, perhaps.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a surprising dip", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the decrease. For example, specify "a surprising dip in sales" or "a surprising dip in temperature".

Common error

Avoid using "surprising" excessively. If multiple dips occur, consider varying your language. For instance, use "unexpected" or "noticeable" to describe subsequent declines to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a surprising dip" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "surprising" modifies the noun "dip". This phrase typically refers to an unexpected decrease or decline. As supported by Ludwig, the usage of the phrase is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a surprising dip" denotes an unexpected decrease, often used in contexts like sales, performance, or statistics. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and versatile. Common alternatives include "an unexpected drop" and "a sudden decline". While usable across various registers, it's important to specify what exactly is experiencing the dip to ensure clarity. Avoid overuse of "surprising" by employing synonyms to maintain reader engagement. Primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, it presents a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unexpected drop

Focuses on the sudden and unforeseen nature of the decrease.

a sudden decline

Highlights the rapidity of the downturn.

an unanticipated decrease

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation surrounding the reduction.

a startling fall

Conveys the shock or alarm caused by the decline.

an unforeseen downturn

Highlights the unexpected nature of the negative trend.

an unpredicted slump

Stresses that the downturn was not predicted.

a noteworthy reduction

Emphasizes the significance of the decrease.

a remarkable downturn

Highlights the unusual nature of the decline.

an amazing decrease

Implies astonishment at the extent of the reduction.

an astonishing fall

Conveys the great surprise caused by the decline.

FAQs

What does "a surprising dip" mean?

It refers to an unexpected decrease or decline in something, often in a quantifiable measure like sales, performance, or temperature.

How can I use "a surprising dip" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company experienced a surprising dip in profits this quarter" or "There was a surprising dip in temperature overnight".

What can I say instead of "a surprising dip"?

You can use alternatives like "an unexpected drop", "a sudden decline", or "an unanticipated decrease" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a surprisingly dip"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a surprising dip", where "surprising" is an adjective modifying the noun "dip".