more precipitously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more precipitously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or change that occurs at a steeper or more rapid rate than before. Example: "The stock prices fell more precipitously than analysts had predicted, causing widespread concern among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Other international markets were down even more precipitously.

The Guardian - Business

The price of tempting them away has fallen more precipitously than the pound.

The Guardian

Hungarians rioted in several cities, and the Socialists lost popularity even more precipitously.

The Washington Post

In the mid-14th century, decline set in sporadically at first and then more precipitously.

Britannica

Prime-time ratings for the Big Four broadcasters — ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox — together are dropping more precipitously than ever.

The New York Times

The standard of our political discourse has fallen more precipitously than the pound and cannot be revived as easily.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

In north Texas and west Kansas, the Ogallala water levels are falling precipitously, more than 100 feet in 60 years, according to a University of Texas at Austin study.

The Washington Post

The high plateau of Salamanca in the central Cordillera Ridge rises almost imperceptibly to the western ranges of the Sierra de Peña de Francia, which on their southern flank have been fractured and plunge precipitously more than 1,000 feet (300 metres) to the Alagón Basin.

Britannica

"Their sales dropped precipitously, more than 50% and as much as 80% in some months.

Los Angeles Times

Not only has student debt risen precipitously, but more and more of those loans aren't getting paid off on time.

HuffPost

But a year ago, Sun shares traded at $7.60, and that was down precipitously from more than $64 a share in September 2000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more precipitously" to add emphasis to a description of a sharp or rapid decline, ensuring that the context clearly establishes what is declining and what it is being compared to.

Common error

Avoid using "more precipitously" in contexts where you are literally describing a physical precipice or cliff. The phrase is generally used metaphorically to describe declines or changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more precipitously" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the manner in which an action occurs. It intensifies the degree or rate of decline, making it clear that something is falling or decreasing at a significantly faster pace. Ludwig's examples show it commonly describing economic downturns, drops in popularity, or decreases in numerical values.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more precipitously" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe a decline or change happening more rapidly and sharply compared to something else. Ludwig highlights that this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, showcasing its use in neutral to formal contexts. When using "more precipitously", ensure the context is clear regarding what is declining and what it's being compared to, avoiding its literal use for physical precipices. Common alternatives include "more sharply" and "more steeply", offering similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more sharply

Emphasizes the abruptness and severity of the change, focusing on the angle or degree of decline.

more steeply

Highlights the gradient or rate of decline, suggesting a rapid downward direction.

more rapidly

Focuses on the speed of the decline or change, emphasizing quickness.

more drastically

Indicates a significant and impactful change, highlighting the magnitude of the effect.

more severely

Stresses the harshness or intensity of the decline, implying negative consequences.

more suddenly

Emphasizes the unexpected and immediate nature of the change.

at an accelerated rate

Highlights the increasing speed of the decline over time.

more intensely

Focuses on the degree or strength of the decline or action.

to a greater extent

Indicates a larger degree of change or impact compared to something else.

in a more headlong manner

Implies a reckless or uncontrolled descent or decline.

FAQs

How can I use "more precipitously" in a sentence?

Use "more precipitously" to describe a sharper or more rapid decline compared to a previous rate or another entity. For instance, "The company's profits fell "more precipitously" than expected after the new regulations were implemented."

What's a good alternative to "more precipitously"?

Alternatives include "more sharply", "more steeply", or "more rapidly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey regarding the rate and severity of the decline.

Is it better to say "declined precipitously" or "declined more precipitously"?

"Declined precipitously" indicates a sharp decline. "Declined "more precipitously"" suggests an even sharper decline compared to a previous state or something else. The latter is used for comparative emphasis.

What does "more precipitously" imply about the nature of a decline?

Using "more precipitously" implies the decline is not only fast but also steeper or more pronounced than a previous decline or a comparable situation. It emphasizes the severity and swiftness of the downward change.