sank rapidly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sank rapidly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has descended quickly, often in a dramatic or significant manner. Example: "The ship sank rapidly after hitting the iceberg, leaving little time for the crew to react."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Divorced, she sank rapidly".

The New York Times - Books

It is feared that both men were trapped as the Nancy Glen sank rapidly.

The Times

As 2007 passed, his popularity rating sank rapidly in the opinion polls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the Dow Jones Industrial Average nearly reached the 300 mark again in 1930, it sank rapidly in May 1930.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All of the dead had been on board the Lamma IV, which sank rapidly after the collision, the authorities said.

The New York Times

Brown was found bleeding from deep knife wounds beside his taxi a mile or two away and was taken to a hospital, where he sank rapidly.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Venice is sinking rapidly, these images imply.

The Guardian - Opinion

But without Bear you'll find yourself up shit creek without a paddle and sinking rapidly.

The Guardian

By the end of 2011 inflation was sinking rapidly while the crisis in the euro zone deepened.

The Economist

Mucilage forms when decomposing material fails to sink rapidly to the bottom of the sea.

The Economist

Within a period of two years or less, a growing economy sinks rapidly into recession and bounces back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sank rapidly" to create a vivid image of something disappearing quickly, whether it's a physical object or an abstract concept. For example, "Her hopes sank rapidly as the test results came back."

Common error

Avoid using "sank rapidly" in situations where a slower or more gradual decline is more appropriate. Using it when something declines slightly or gradually might sound overdramatic. For example, do not say "The sun sank rapidly below the horizon in winter" since this is not accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sank rapidly" primarily functions as a verb phrase, acting as the predicate in a sentence to describe an action. It modifies a subject, indicating the manner in which it descended or deteriorated. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sank rapidly" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a quick and often dramatic descent or decline. According to Ludwig, this phrase is valid in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, with notable usage also in Encyclopedias, Science and Wiki sources. While versatile, its use should be considered in more mundane scenarios in order to prevent unwanted overdramatic expression. Alternatives such as "descended quickly" or "plummeted swiftly" can be used to convey similar meanings depending on the specific context. The authoritative sources show a wide application, from describing ships to economies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descended quickly

Focuses on the speed of descent, replacing "sank" with a more general term.

plummeted swiftly

Emphasizes a sudden and dramatic fall, using stronger verbs.

fell sharply

Highlights the steepness of the decline, suitable for abstract contexts like prices or ratings.

declined abruptly

Indicates a sudden drop in a non-physical sense, such as in value or health.

subsided swiftly

Suggests a rapid decrease in intensity or level, often used for water or emotions.

dwindled quickly

Implies a fast reduction in size or amount.

vanished suddenly

Emphasizes the complete and quick disappearance of something.

collapsed swiftly

Conveys a rapid breakdown or failure.

deteriorated quickly

Focuses on the fast decline in quality or condition.

diminished rapidly

Highlights a quick reduction in importance or strength.

FAQs

How can I use "sank rapidly" in a sentence?

You can use "sank rapidly" to describe the quick descent or decline of something, whether physical (like a ship) or abstract (like popularity). For example: "The boat "sank rapidly" after the collision" or "His popularity "sank rapidly" after the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "sank rapidly"?

Some alternatives include "descended quickly", "plummeted swiftly", or "fell sharply", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sank rapidly"?

Yes, "sank rapidly" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase. It is used to describe something that has quickly moved downwards or declined in condition.

What is the difference between "sank rapidly" and "declined quickly"?

"Sank rapidly" often implies a more dramatic and immediate descent, often suggesting something disappearing or failing completely. "Declined quickly", on the other hand, suggests a fast decrease but not necessarily total failure. For example, "The ship "sank rapidly"" versus "His health "declined quickly"".