drastic decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"drastic decline" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant and steep decrease in something. Here is an example sentence: "The company's profits saw a drastic decline after the economy took a downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Water voles in the UK are in drastic decline.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is already a pretty drastic decline from the beginning of this year.

The New York Times

Moreover, they found no evidence of a "drastic decline" in teenage girls' self-esteem.

The New York Times - Arts

Rates of burial — and, hence, of embalming — have undergone a drastic decline.

The New Yorker

The result has been a drastic decline in the number of independent stations on the dial.

The New York Times - Arts

Retirement can cause a drastic decline in health, according to a study released today.

Independent

The cost for this tonic seems to be a drastic decline in Americans' economic mobility.

The New York Times

In fact, the next five years constituted a time of drastic decline in Liberal support.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When ANC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, it blamed the Sept. 11 attacks for a drastic decline in business.

The New York Times

The hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) has suffered from a drastic decline for the same reason: loss of habitat.

The Guardian

Patients often experience a drastic decline in their physical abilities, and with it a blow to their mental health.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drastic decline", quantify the decline if possible to provide a clearer picture. For example, "a drastic decline of 50%".

Common error

Avoid using "drastic decline" to exaggerate minor reductions. Reserve it for truly significant and impactful decreases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drastic decline" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant and rapid decrease in something. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts, from describing economic changes to population decreases.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drastic decline" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant and rapid decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias. To improve your writing, be sure to quantify the decline when possible and avoid using the phrase to exaggerate minor reductions. Consider alternatives like "substantial decline" or "drastic reduction" for nuanced expression. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "drastic decline" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drastic decrease

A synonym, differing only in the noun used.

drastic reduction

Focuses more on the act of reducing rather than the state of being reduced.

drastic diminution

Uses a more formal term for reduction, implying a decrease in size or importance.

substantial decline

Emphasizes the size or importance of the decline.

considerable decline

Stresses the noteworthiness of the decline.

intense decline

Highlights the severity or strength of the decline.

tremendous decline

Highlights the great extent of the decline.

severe decline

Emphasizes the harshness or seriousness of the decline.

vigorous decline

Implies a forceful or rapid decline.

strong decline

Indicates a powerful and noticeable decline.

FAQs

How to use "drastic decline" in a sentence?

You can use "drastic decline" to describe a significant decrease in something, such as "The company's profits saw a "drastic decline" after the new regulations were implemented."

What can I say instead of "drastic decline"?

You can use alternatives like "substantial decline", "severe decline", or "drastic reduction" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "drastic decline" or "gradual decline"?

"Drastic decline" implies a rapid and significant decrease, while "gradual decline" suggests a slower, more incremental reduction. The choice depends on the actual nature of the decrease you're describing.

What are some common causes of a "drastic decline"?

Common causes for a "drastic decline" can include economic downturns, changes in consumer preferences, increased competition, or unexpected events like natural disasters or pandemics.