decrease sharply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decrease sharply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant and rapid reduction in quantity, value, or intensity. Example: "The company's profits decreased sharply in the last quarter due to unexpected market changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As oil prices rise, the claimed economic efficiency of fossil fuel- and fertiliser-dependent industrial farming begins to decrease sharply.

The Guardian - Opinion

United Russia has seen its popularity decrease sharply since the financial crisis hit, but it remains the country's most influential party, created with the aim of supporting Putin.

The Guardian

The state also has launched projects to reuse water and capture rainwater, although the water management districts saw their budgets decrease sharply this year.

The New York Times

Xylanase activity was found to decrease sharply with prolonged incubation.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

Thanks to the narrow beam, the performance will be decrease sharply if any direction error exists.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

When the network is in congestion, the throughput of the whole network will decrease sharply.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

When they are far away from the zero disparity plane, their comfort values decrease sharply.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The cation-π interaction energies decrease sharply with the increase of solvent dielectric constants ε.

Chemistry Central Journal

Relative errors decrease sharply with the increase of absolute value of modification coefficient.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

The interlaminar stresses reach maximum at the free edge and decrease sharply at the inner part of the patch.

International Journal of Mechanical Sciences

In this weather condition performance of air condenser window-air-conditioners decrease sharply and electrical power consumption increase considerably.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decrease sharply", ensure the context clearly indicates what is decreasing and the scale of the decline for maximum impact. For instance, instead of saying "Sales decreased sharply", specify "Sales decreased sharply by 30% in the last quarter".

Common error

Avoid using "decrease sharply" when the reduction is actually minor or gradual. Overstating the degree of change can undermine the credibility of your writing. Use more moderate terms like "decrease slightly" or "decrease gradually" for smaller changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decrease sharply" functions as a verb phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a significant and rapid reduction. Ludwig examples show this phrase used across various contexts to describe quantifiable changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decrease sharply" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote a significant and rapid decline, as affirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, it serves to inform audiences about substantial reductions. For clear and effective communication, especially in formal settings, ensure that the degree and subject of the decline are explicitly stated. Alternatives such as "decline rapidly" or "fall dramatically" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can employ "decrease sharply" with precision and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline rapidly

This alternative emphasizes the speed of the decline.

fall dramatically

This alternative suggests a striking and noticeable decrease.

drop significantly

This alternative indicates a considerable reduction.

plummet steeply

This alternative conveys a sense of a very sharp and rapid fall, almost like a dive.

recede swiftly

This alternative emphasizes the swift retreat or withdrawal.

diminish substantially

This alternative suggests a large reduction in size, extent, or degree.

contract considerably

This alternative implies a significant reduction in size or scope.

wane perceptibly

This alternative indicates a noticeable decline in power, influence, or extent.

slump heavily

This alternative suggests a sudden and severe fall, often in a financial or economic context.

truncate abruptly

This alternative implies a sudden and sharp cut-off or reduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "decrease sharply" to describe a rapid decline in something, such as "The company's profits "decrease sharply" due to the economic downturn" or "The number of tourists visiting the island "decrease sharply" after the hurricane".

What are some alternatives to "decrease sharply"?

Alternatives include "decline rapidly", "fall dramatically", or "drop significantly". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "decrease very sharply"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" to "decrease sharply" is often redundant. The word "sharply" already implies a significant and rapid decline, so "very" doesn't add much additional meaning. Using just "decrease sharply" is usually more concise and effective.

What's the difference between "decrease sharply" and "increase sharply"?

"Decrease sharply" means there's a rapid reduction or decline, while "increase sharply" means there's a rapid rise or surge. They are opposite in direction but both indicate a significant rate of change.