an abrupt drop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an abrupt drop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden decrease in quantity, quality, or intensity in various contexts, such as finance, temperature, or performance. Example: "The stock market experienced an abrupt drop following the unexpected news."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An explanation of the dark area could be an abrupt drop in the harmonic signal in deeper portions due to the effect of fatty infiltration on acoustic penetration.

Insights into Imaging

Some surveys since the Brexit vote did indeed pick up an abrupt drop in consumer confidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

In nearly all instances, it ends at its seaward edge with an abrupt drop called the shelf break.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This resulted in an abrupt drop in the densification rate and the phenomenon of end density at low sintering temperatures.

Acta Materialia

Revenues from its North American retail operations plunged by 26%, thanks in part to an abrupt drop in the refinancing of mortgages due to rising interest rates.

The Economist

Many venomous snakes use a related version of this toxin to bring on an abrupt drop in blood pressure, causing their prey to lose consciousness.

The New York Times - Science

He had to cope with an abrupt drop in the oil price from $30 to $10 a barrel, which undermined much Shell exploration.

The Guardian

After an abrupt drop, the ground levelled off into a tunnel — too low to stand up in, but not so low that we had to crawl.

The New Yorker

We find a Northern Hemisphere HCFC-133a increase from 0.13 ppt (dry-air mole fraction in parts per trillion) in 2000 to 0.50 ppt in 2012 mid-2013 followed by an abrupt drop to ∼0.44 ppt by early 2015.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Extending southeastward from Mount Tai Mo, the Kowloon Peak attains an elevation of 1,975 feet (602 metres), but there is an abrupt drop to about 650 feet (198 metres) at Devil's Peak.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Karachi exchange closed for four months in late 2008 after an abrupt drop in prices; more recently, it has faced allegations by the news media of insider trading and cronyism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, quantify the drop with specific numbers or percentages to provide a clear and precise understanding of the magnitude of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "an abrupt drop" without providing sufficient context. Always specify what is dropping and the circumstances surrounding the drop to ensure clarity for the reader. For instance, instead of just saying "there was an abrupt drop", specify "there was an abrupt drop in sales due to the product recall".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an abrupt drop" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, it denotes a sudden and significant decrease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an abrupt drop" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a sudden decline. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. It's crucial to provide clear context when using this phrase to ensure effective communication. Alternatives like ""a sudden decrease"" or ""a sharp decline"" can be used for variety. While generally neutral in tone, it's adaptable for formal and technical writing, making it a versatile choice for expressing sudden reductions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden decrease

Emphasizes the suddenness of the reduction.

a sharp decline

Highlights the steepness of the downward trend.

a precipitous fall

Suggests a rapid and dramatic descent.

a rapid reduction

Focuses on the quickness of the lessening.

a steep downturn

Implies a significant negative shift.

a sudden plunge

Conveys a sense of immediacy and depth in the decrease.

a marked decrease

Underlines the notability of the reduction.

a quick dip

Suggests a brief and shallow decline.

a sudden contraction

Emphasizes a shrinking or reduction in size or scope.

a swift downturn

Highlights the speed and negative direction of the change.

FAQs

How can I use "an abrupt drop" in a sentence?

You can use "an abrupt drop" to describe a sudden decrease. For example, "The company experienced "an abrupt drop" in profits after the new regulations were implemented."

What's a good alternative to "an abrupt drop"?

Alternatives include "a sudden decrease", "a sharp decline", or "a precipitous fall", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it more formal to say "a sharp decline" or "an abrupt drop"?

A sharp decline may be perceived as slightly more formal, but both phrases are suitable for professional and academic contexts. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What causes "an abrupt drop" in a stock's price?

"An abrupt drop" in a stock's price can be caused by various factors, including negative news, analyst downgrades, or broader market downturns. It indicates a sudden loss of investor confidence.