declined steeply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declined steeply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decrease in something, such as prices, numbers, or performance metrics. Example: "The company's profits declined steeply in the last quarter due to increased competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Agricultural incomes had declined steeply.

The Economist

Financial stocks in particular declined steeply, more than 3 percent.

The New York Times

As you can see, however, more recently the yen has declined steeply.

The New York Times

The same survey found that "support for democracy has declined steeply" since the beginning of the Arab Spring.

The New Yorker

GTR took over the Southern franchise last year, and rail performance statistics show the service has declined steeply.

The Guardian

Recent weeks have shown a few indications of relief in fuel prices, as oil prices declined steeply.

The New York Times

Prices peaked in 1989, declined steeply in 1991, bottomed out in 1993 and stabilized in 1995 and 1996.

The New York Times

Rail performance statistics show the service has declined steeply since GTR took over the Southern franchise last year.

The Guardian

Home prices have not fallen uniformly across the nation; in some areas, they have, however, declined steeply.

The New York Times

The use and availability of barbiturates in the United States declined steeply following the federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As each new American escalation met with fresh enemy response and as no end to the combat appeared in sight, the president's public support declined steeply.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "declined steeply" when you want to emphasize the speed and magnitude of a decrease. It's suitable for describing trends in data, performance metrics, or any quantifiable measure where a sharp downturn is notable.

Common error

Avoid using "declined steeply" when a gradual or minor decrease is intended. Opt for phrases like "decreased slightly" or "gradually declined" to more accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declined steeply" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a rapid and significant decrease. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe downward trends in various contexts, from financial performance to public support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "declined steeply" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase to describe a rapid and significant decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. The analysis suggests that the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication, maintaining a neutral tone. Alternatives such as "decreased sharply" or "dropped dramatically" offer similar meanings, but it's crucial to choose the most appropriate alternative based on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreased sharply

Emphasizes the suddenness and magnitude of the decrease.

dropped dramatically

Highlights the dramatic nature of the reduction.

fell significantly

Indicates a notable and substantial decrease.

plunged rapidly

Suggests a quick and forceful decline.

slumped considerably

Implies a gradual but significant downturn.

descended rapidly

Similar to plunged rapidly but may suggest a more continuous movement.

reduced substantially

Focuses on the extent of the reduction.

contracted significantly

Often used in economic contexts to indicate a decrease in size or scope.

waned considerably

Implies a gradual decrease in strength or influence.

diminished markedly

Indicates a clear and noticeable reduction.

FAQs

What does "declined steeply" mean?

The phrase "declined steeply" means that something has decreased or reduced significantly and rapidly. It implies a sharp downward trend.

How can I use "declined steeply" in a sentence?

You can use "declined steeply" to describe a rapid decrease in numbers, values, or performance. For example: "The company's profits "declined steeply" due to the recession."

What are some alternatives to saying "declined steeply"?

Some alternatives to "declined steeply" include "decreased sharply", "dropped dramatically", or "fell significantly" depending on the context.

Is "declined steeply" formal or informal?

"Declined steeply" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in news reports, academic papers, and business communications.