sharp downturn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp downturn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decline or drop in a particular situation, such as the economy, stock market, or business performance. Example: "The company experienced a sharp downturn in sales during the last quarter, prompting management to reevaluate their strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

By the same logic, a sharp downturn can shake confidence.

The Economist

The company is suffering through a sharp downturn in sales.

The New York Times

That may change, in the event of a sharp downturn in the global economy.

The Economist

That makes a sharp downturn in China less likely in the near future.

The Economist

Global financial difficulties led to a sharp downturn in industrial activity in Syria in early 2009.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The region is being hurt badly by the sharp downturn in America, its biggest export market.

The Economist

Such programs allowed German unemployment to fall during much of 2009 despite a sharp downturn.

The New York Times

Las Vegas Sands, meanwhile, has been struggling because of the sharp downturn on the Vegas strip.

The New York Times

"These hopes have been dashed by weakening world markets and the sharp downturn in key industries.

The Economist

They see "a substantial likelihood of a sharp downturn in the United States".

The New Yorker

But the summers are normally warm enough to cause a sharp downturn in flu cases.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sharp downturn", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the decline (e.g., "a sharp downturn in sales", "a sharp downturn in the economy"). This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid pairing "sharp downturn" with weak or redundant verbs like "experienced" or "witnessed". Instead, use stronger verbs that highlight the impact of the downturn, such as "caused", "triggered", or "led to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp downturn" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. It describes a sudden and significant decrease or decline in something, like the economy or a specific industry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp downturn" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a sudden and significant decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's accurate and applicable in diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, this noun phrase serves to inform about negative shifts, especially in economic or market conditions. For best usage, clearly specify what is experiencing the "sharp downturn", avoid weak verbs, and consider stronger alternatives like "sudden decline" or "precipitous fall" depending on context. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and precisely convey the impact of a "sharp downturn".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden decline

Focuses on the abrupt nature of the decrease.

precipitous fall

Emphasizes the steepness and rapidity of the decline.

rapid decrease

Highlights the speed at which the downturn occurs.

steep decline

Focuses on the magnitude and angle of the decline.

abrupt drop

Similar to "sudden decline" but with a slightly more forceful connotation.

marked decrease

Indicates a noticeable and significant reduction.

significant slump

Implies a decline in activity or performance, often in an economic context.

drastic reduction

Emphasizes the severity and extent of the decrease.

severe contraction

Primarily used in economic contexts to describe a significant decrease in economic activity.

economic slide

Focuses specifically on the economic aspect of the decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp downturn" to describe a significant decline in various contexts. For example, "The company experienced a "sharp downturn" in sales last quarter" or "The stock market saw a "sharp downturn" after the announcement".

What are some alternatives to "sharp downturn"?

Alternatives to "sharp downturn" include "sudden decline", "precipitous fall", or "steep decline", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "sharp decline" or "sharp downturn"?

Both "sharp decline" and "sharp downturn" are correct, but "sharp downturn" often implies a more systemic or prolonged decline, especially in economic or business contexts. "Sharp decline" can be used more broadly. You might consider using "significant slump" if you're speaking about an industry.

What factors might contribute to a "sharp downturn" in the economy?

Various factors can contribute to a "sharp downturn" in the economy, including changes in interest rates, global economic instability, shifts in consumer spending, or unexpected events like natural disasters or pandemics.