close to deflation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to deflation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing economic conditions, particularly when describing a situation where inflation rates are very low or negative. Example: "The economy is struggling, and recent reports indicate that we are close to deflation, which could have serious implications for growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

perilously close to deflation.

The Economist

Several countries are close to deflation, which would increase their real debt burden.

The Economist

Since official figures tend to overstate the true inflation rate, that is dangerously close to deflation.

The Economist

Mr Carney is keen to avoid the travails of the euro zone, which is perilously close to deflation.

The Economist

But it bears responsibility for inflation, which has sunk to 0.4%, dangerously close to deflation, and far below its target of nearly 2%.

The Economist

Thanks partly to tight monetary and fiscal policy in 2012-13, growthasasloweded and Sweden is perilously close to deflation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Mr. Feroli said that if the economy continued to get closer to deflation, there was the risk that debt service burdens could go up.

The New York Times

The euro area's weakness has a lot to do with the conservatism of the European Central Bank, which has long resisted the adoption of unconventional measures to loosen monetary policy, even as the region has slipped ever closer to deflation.

The Economist

Because if you have 0 inflation you're very close to the deflation zone and nominal rates would be so low there's no flexibility".

The Guardian - Business

The ECB has so far held off from QE despite speculation earlier this month that it was ready to act to bolster economic growth in the face of inflation which has fallen to 0.3%, dangerously close to outright deflation.

The Guardian

We're already closer to outright deflation than at any point since the Great Depression.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. In technical writing, "close to deflation" is acceptable, but for general audiences, consider explaining what deflation means to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "close to deflation" as a synonym for deflation. It indicates a risk or proximity, not a present condition. Always verify whether deflation has actually occurred before stating it as fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to deflation" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to qualify an economic state. It indicates that an economy is nearing or at risk of experiencing deflation, but has not yet fully entered that state. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to deflation" is a common descriptor used to indicate that an economy is at risk of experiencing falling prices. Ludwig AI confirms that the usage is correct and primarily found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When writing about this topic, it's important to provide specific economic data and avoid confusing "close to deflation" with actual deflation. Alternatives like "nearing deflation" or "approaching deflation" can be used to add variety, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing deflation

Emphasizes the progression towards deflation.

approaching deflation

Focuses on the act of moving closer to a state of deflation.

on the verge of deflation

Highlights the imminence of deflation.

at risk of deflation

Shifts the focus to the potential danger or vulnerability to deflation.

facing deflationary pressures

Highlights external forces pushing towards deflation.

in a deflationary environment

Describes the overall economic setting.

experiencing low inflation

Focuses on the symptom that often precedes deflation.

showing signs of deflation

Emphasizes observable indicators that deflation may occur.

with minimal inflationary growth

Highlights the lack of significant price increases.

in danger of falling prices

Focuses on price level decline, a key feature of deflation.

FAQs

How can I use "close to deflation" in a sentence?

You can use "close to deflation" to describe an economic situation where inflation is very low and there's a significant risk of prices starting to fall. For example: "The eurozone's inflation rate is so low that the region is now considered "close to deflation"".

What are some alternative phrases for "close to deflation"?

Some alternatives include "nearing deflation", "approaching deflation", or "on the verge of deflation". These phrases all convey a similar meaning of an economy moving towards a state of falling prices.

What are the potential consequences of being "close to deflation"?

Being "close to deflation" can lead to several negative consequences, including decreased consumer spending (as people delay purchases expecting prices to fall further), increased real debt burdens, and potential economic stagnation. It can also be more difficult for central banks to stimulate the economy when interest rates are already near zero.

How does "close to deflation" differ from outright deflation?

"Close to deflation" means that inflation is very low, but prices are not yet falling overall. Outright "deflation", on the other hand, is a situation where the general price level in an economy is decreasing. It represents a more severe and entrenched economic challenge.