in a precipitous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a precipitous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is steep or sudden, often in reference to a decline or drop in a situation or condition. Example: "The company's profits fell in a precipitous manner after the scandal broke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

A part of America lives in a precipitous state of exploitation.

The New Yorker

For a decade, numbers of three species of vultures had been in a precipitous decline throughout the subcontinent.

The Guardian

In effect, MazF functions as an "mRNA interferase," because it efficiently and selectively degrades all cellular mRNAs in vivo, resulting in a precipitous drop in total protein synthesis.

Molecular Cell

THOSE who are convinced that airlines in America are engaged in a precipitous race to the bottom have just received a further piece of evidence for their case.

The Economist

While Turkey's revenue is in a precipitous decline, Molinas needs the Central Asian region to help alleviate the financial gap during this turbulent time.

Harvard Business Review

One friend seized all the transparent blocks and constructed a slender, glazed facade from which an elegant spiral staircase sprouted in a precipitous twirl.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Sales at Barnes & Noble stores open at least a year fell 8.4percentt in March, a precipitous decline, according to a company statement announcing a first-quarter shortfall.

The New York Times

Margins dropped by nearly half in 2009 after a precipitous drop in oil prices left companies scrambling to slash spending in exploration and production.

Forbes

The spark for yesterday's rally came from a surprising report that the service sector of the economy rebounded in November, after a precipitous fall in October.

The New York Times

An immediate result of the change in attitudes and policy in Sweden has been a precipitous decline in the arrival of new refugees, Korpe says.

The Guardian

Then, in 2000, there was a precipitous drop in the company's stock.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a precipitous", ensure the context clearly indicates a rapid and significant decline or change. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the severity and speed of the shift.

Common error

Avoid using "in a precipitous" to describe gradual or incremental changes. The term implies a sudden and steep decline, not a slow and steady one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a precipitous" primarily functions as a prepositional modifier, adding detail about the manner in which something occurs, often emphasizing speed and intensity. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in describing declines or shifts. The Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a precipitous" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase used to emphasize the sudden and severe nature of a decline or change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for describing rapid shifts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While alternatives like "in a steep" or "in a sharp" exist, "in a precipitous" adds a distinct sense of dramatic intensity. To use it effectively, ensure the context involves a genuinely rapid and significant decline, and avoid using it for gradual processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a steep

Focuses on the angle or gradient of the change, emphasizing sharpness.

in a sharp

Emphasizes the abruptness and quickness of the change.

in a sudden

Highlights the unexpected nature of the change.

in a dramatic

Emphasizes the noticeable and impactful nature of the change.

in a rapid

Focuses on the speed at which the change occurs.

in a swift

Similar to rapid but suggests a more graceful or effortless speed.

in an abrupt

Similar to sudden, stressing unexpectedness and curtness.

in a headlong

Implies a reckless or uncontrolled rush.

in a vertiginous

Emphasizes a dizzying or disorienting quality of the change.

in a quick

Highlights the limited duration or time frame of the change.

FAQs

How can I use "in a precipitous" in a sentence?

Use "in a precipitous" to describe a rapid and significant decline or drop. For example, "The company's stock price experienced a precipitous fall after the announcement".

What are some alternatives to "in a precipitous"?

You can use alternatives like "in a steep", "in a sharp", or "in a sudden" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "precipitous decline" or "steep decline"?

Both "precipitous decline" and "steep decline" are acceptable, but "precipitous" often implies a more sudden and dramatic drop than "steep". The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

What is the difference between "in a precipitous" and "in a precipitate"?

"Precipitous" describes a steep or sudden decline, while "precipitate" (adjective) means acting or done with excessive or unwise speed or rashness. They are related in the sense of suddenness, but "precipitous" is about the nature of a fall, whereas "precipitate" is about the manner of an action.