sharp decline in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp decline in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant and sudden decrease in a particular metric or value. Example: "There has been a sharp decline in sales over the past quarter, prompting the company to reevaluate its marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A sharp decline in the currency would mean a sharp decline in living standards.

The New York Times

d)A sharp decline in demand for maple syrup.

The New York Times

There has been a sharp decline in personal saving.

The Economist

Last year, business schools reported a sharp decline in applications.

The New York Times

The happy byproduct was a sharp decline in auto fatalities.

The New York Times

Some tourist destinations have also seen a sharp decline in business.

The New York Times

Industrial commodity prices were undercut by a sharp decline in manufacturing.

The New York Times

The Reuters Group returned to profit in 2003 despite a sharp decline in revenue.

The New York Times

A sharp decline in the British pound is also cutting into sales and profits.

The New York Times

Like condo projects everywhere, Midtown has experienced a sharp decline in values.

The New York Times

Experts said the sharp decline in imports reflected a troubling retrenchment by American businesses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp decline in" when you want to emphasize a sudden and significant decrease. If the decline is gradual or less impactful, consider using alternatives like "slight decrease" or "gradual reduction".

Common error

Avoid attributing a "sharp decline in" one area directly to another without sufficient evidence. While a decline might coincide with another event, it doesn't automatically mean the two are causally linked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp decline in" functions as a noun phrase often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically quantifies and describes the degree to which something has decreased. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp decline in" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a significant and rapid decrease. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define what is declining and the timeframe involved to enhance clarity. While it's versatile, avoid attributing direct causation without sufficient evidence. Consider alternatives like "steep drop in" or "significant decrease in" to vary your writing while maintaining precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steep drop in

Replaces "decline" with "drop" and "sharp" with "steep", emphasizing the suddenness and severity of the decrease.

significant decrease in

Substitutes "sharp" with "significant" and "decline" with "decrease", highlighting the importance of the reduction.

rapid reduction in

Replaces "sharp" with "rapid" and "decline" with "reduction", focusing on the speed of the decrease.

sudden downturn in

Uses "downturn" instead of "decline", suggesting a negative trend with a sharp onset.

marked decrease in

Replaces "sharp" with "marked", indicating a noticeable and clear reduction.

noticeable fall in

Substitutes "decline" with "fall" and "sharp" with "noticeable", emphasizing the perceptibility of the reduction.

precipitous drop in

Emphasizes the sudden and dramatic nature of the decline.

abrupt fall in

Highlights the unexpected and sudden nature of the decrease.

drastic plunge in

Conveys a severe and sudden reduction, using "plunge" to amplify the intensity.

severe contraction in

Replaces "decline" with "contraction", suggesting a shrinking or reduction in size or scope, and "sharp" with "severe" to describe its intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "sharp decline in" in a sentence?

You can use "sharp decline in" to describe a significant and sudden decrease. For example, "There was a "sharp decline in" sales last quarter due to the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "sharp decline in"?

Some alternatives include "steep drop in", "significant decrease in", or "rapid reduction in". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What does "sharp decline in" imply about the rate of change?

"Sharp decline in" implies a rapid and noticeable decrease. It suggests that the change is not gradual but rather occurs quickly and significantly.

Is it appropriate to use "sharp decline in" in formal writing?

Yes, "sharp decline in" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and descriptive phrase that can be used in various professional and academic contexts.