drop in form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop in form" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline or decrease in performance, quality, or condition, often in a sports or artistic context. Example: "The athlete experienced a noticeable drop in form during the championship season, affecting their overall performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He then experienced a drop in form, with only one significant score, 46 against Wellington, for seven innings.

Wikipedia

It is also hard to see how United could develop without Rooney's services, despite his current drop in form.

Independent

There were ample opportunities for conversation the rest of the way, particularly after Nadal took advantage of Djokovic's palpable drop in form and energy in the third set.

The New York Times - Sports

But Meulensteen does not believe that Rooney is at fault for his drop in form and instead identified Louis van Gaal's tactics for restricting the England skipper.

Independent

St George Illawarra and South Sydney will look to put an end to an alarming drop in form that has both teams on the verge of dropping out of the top eight at the SCG on Saturday night.

The Guardian - Sport

Much of the turnaround in the match has also come from a drop in form for Stosur, who has been pounding forehands long and slicing backhands into the net.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Dropped for a dip in form, technical failings or the emergence of other players, they all want another taste of life at the top.

BBC

Undoubtedly the surprise success of the Championship season so far has been Huddersfield who, under David Wagner, dropped only two points from their opening six games and remain just outside the top two, despite a drop-off in form.

The Guardian - Sport

Along with Bath's new skills coach, Darren Edwards, head coach at Newport Dragons until last February, Ford has decided to limit the amount of kicking he does, partly in the hope of stopping the drop-off in form the fly-half suffered at the end of last season.

The Guardian - Sport

Understandable, you might say, given the fiscal challenge of four Tests in as many weeks, the price of tickets amid an ongoing recession and the drop-off in form.

BBC

But it also detailed his drop-off in form since 2010, comparing the points he has scored at this stage of the last three seasons with those of Alonso.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drop in form" to describe a temporary or noticeable decline in performance or condition, particularly in sports or artistic contexts. For example, "The team experienced a significant "drop in form" after their key player was injured."

Common error

While "drop in form" is acceptable, it can sound informal in academic or highly professional writing. Consider alternatives like "decline in performance" or "reduction in ability" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop in form" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a decline or reduction in performance, quality, or condition. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is often used as the subject or object of a sentence to indicate a decrease in a specific attribute.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop in form" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a decline in performance, quality, or condition. As noted by Ludwig, it finds frequent use in news and media, as well as informal and professional settings, but can be substituted for more formal alternatives like "decline in performance" in academic or business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context when choosing this phrase, as the level of formality and specific nuance can be adjusted with synonyms to ensure clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline in performance

Focuses on the performance aspect specifically.

decrease in quality

Emphasizes the reduction in the standard or quality.

reduction in ability

Highlights a decline in skill or capability.

dip in condition

Suggests a temporary or slight decrease in overall state.

falling off in form

Implies a gradual decline from a previous high level.

deterioration in shape

Specifically refers to a decline in physical condition or fitness.

weakening in form

Highlights a decrease in strength or effectiveness.

regression in performance

Indicates a return to a lower level of performance.

setback in condition

Emphasizes a temporary halt or reversal in progress.

slump in performance

Suggests a sudden and significant decline in performance.

FAQs

How can I use "drop in form" in a sentence?

You can use "drop in form" to describe a decline in someone's or something's performance, such as "The athlete experienced a noticeable "drop in form" during the championship season."

What are some alternatives to "drop in form"?

You can use alternatives like "decline in performance", "decrease in quality", or "reduction in ability", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "dip in form" or "drop in form"?

"Dip in form" suggests a smaller, more temporary decline compared to "drop in form", which implies a more significant and potentially longer-lasting decline.

What causes a "drop in form"?

A "drop in form" can be caused by various factors, including injury, stress, changes in training, or external pressures. The specific cause depends on the context in which the phrase is used.