decline sharply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline sharply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decrease in quantity, quality, or value in various contexts, such as economics, statistics, or general observations. Example: "The company's profits are expected to decline sharply in the next quarter due to increased competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Experience at other cities with enforceable view ordinances has proven that these disputes decline sharply and lawsuits are now rare.

Los Angeles Times

AMERICAN student proficiency seems to decline sharply in adolescence.

The New York Times

During recessions, both VC-entry and economic activity decline sharply, and then bounce back together.

Columbia University

On the other hand, the numbers would decline sharply with reductions in the interest rate charged.

The New York Times

And if only one company has to comply, its profits may indeed decline sharply.

The New York Times

It could well take several years for production to decline sharply.

The New Yorker

As a result, real student learning will decline sharply, along with good teaching.

The New York Times

They produce very strong risk-adjusted returns over four months, but these returns then decline sharply.

The Economist

If cars were powered by fuel cells, noxious emissions and greenhouse gases would decline sharply.

The Economist

Archives|COMMODITY PRICES.; Cash Grains Decline Sharply -- Coffee, Butter and Lard Higher -- Steadiness Elsewhere.

The New York Times

COMMODITY PRICES.; Cash Grains Decline Sharply -- Coffee, Butter and Lard Higher -- Steadiness Elsewhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decline sharply" to describe a significant and rapid decrease in a quantifiable metric or trend. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the severity of the reduction, and add numerical data if available in the sentence, for a more descriptive and clear outcome.

Common error

While "decline sharply" is widely used, avoid overusing it in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "drop a lot" or "fall quickly" for a more natural tone in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline sharply" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an intransitive verb ("decline") modified by an adverb ("sharply"). According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English and serves to describe the manner in which something decreases.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decline sharply" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a significant and rapid decrease, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various formal and informal contexts, including news reports, scientific papers, and business communications. While highly versatile, it's essential to consider the context and choose synonyms like "decrease significantly" or "drop dramatically" when a different nuance is needed. As demonstrated by the various examples, "decline sharply" is a standard way to express a marked reduction across many fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease significantly

Emphasizes a notable reduction, using a more formal tone.

fall substantially

Highlights a considerable drop, suitable for quantitative contexts.

drop dramatically

Conveys a sudden and significant decrease, adding a sense of urgency.

plummet rapidly

Suggests a swift and steep decline, often used for critical situations.

decrease rapidly

Focuses on the quick pace of the decline.

reduce considerably

Highlights the extent of the reduction, suitable for formal reports.

sink substantially

Implies a heavy or weighty decline, often used in economic contexts.

tumble swiftly

Conveys a loss of control in the decline, implying instability.

diminish greatly

Emphasizes the magnitude of the decrease, suitable for general contexts.

slump considerably

Suggests a sudden and significant decline, often used in economic or market contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "decline sharply" to describe a significant reduction in something. For example, "The company's profits "decline sharply" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "decline sharply"?

Alternatives include "decrease significantly", "fall substantially", or "drop dramatically". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "decline sharply" or "decrease sharply"?

Both "decline sharply" and "decrease sharply" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Decline" might be preferred in contexts where there's an implication of deterioration or weakening, while "decrease" is a more neutral term for reduction.

What's the difference between "decline sharply" and "decline gradually"?

"Decline sharply" indicates a rapid and significant reduction, while "decline gradually" suggests a slow and steady decrease. The choice depends on the actual rate of change you want to describe.