sharp fall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp fall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and significant decrease in something, such as prices, temperatures, or performance metrics. Example: "The company experienced a sharp fall in sales during the last quarter, prompting management to reevaluate their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sharp fall in the number of new infections followed.

Independent

This week's data showed a sharp fall in manufacturing activity.

The Guardian - Business

Women, however, suffer a sharp fall in income.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This has meant a sharp fall in purchasing power.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is because of a sharp fall in student satisfaction.

The Guardian

In Asia, it slid by 2.7%, led by Japan's sharp fall of 4.2%.

The Economist

The boom is being spurred by a sharp fall in prices and improvements in performance.

The Economist

They will also benefit from the sharp fall in the price of oil.

The Economist

This brought about an immediate, sharp fall in mortgage rates and helped underpin a stockmarket rally.

The Economist

And a sharp fall in food and oil prices has already considerably reduced the import bill.

The Economist

Nevertheless, the sharp fall has spooked investors and other banks that had been contemplating rights issues.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data trends, use "sharp fall" to clearly indicate a significant and sudden decrease. Provide context by specifying the timeframe and the metric that experienced the decline.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "sharp fall" to a specific cause without sufficient evidence. Just because two events occurred around the same time does not mean one caused the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp fall" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a significant decrease in something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp fall" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a sudden and significant decrease. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples reveals that it's frequently used in News & Media and Scientific contexts to report on negative trends or unexpected downturns. When writing, ensure that the cause of the "sharp fall" is well-supported with evidence. While "sharp fall" is generally neutral, alternative phrases like "marked reduction" can be used for a more formal tone, whereas "sudden drop" for an emphasis on abruptness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steep decline

Replaces "fall" with "decline", implying a gradual worsening, but maintains the sense of a significant drop.

sudden drop

Substitutes "sharp" with "sudden" and "fall" with "drop", highlighting the abruptness of the decrease.

rapid decrease

Emphasizes the speed of the decline by using "rapid" instead of "sharp" and "decrease" instead of "fall".

precipitous decline

Uses "precipitous" to intensify the suddenness and severity of the decline.

marked reduction

Replaces "sharp fall" with a more formal term, "marked reduction", suitable for academic or business contexts.

significant downturn

Shifts the focus to a negative trend using "downturn", indicating a decline in performance or condition.

drastic reduction

Highlights the severity of the decrease using "drastic" to emphasize the impact.

abrupt downturn

Combines the suddenness of "abrupt" with the negative trend of "downturn".

notable decrease

Indicates that the decrease is worth paying attention to by using "notable".

substantial drop-off

Uses "drop-off" as an alternative to "fall", emphasizing a decrease in quantity or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp fall" to describe a sudden and significant decrease in something. For example, "The company experienced a "sharp fall" in profits this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "sharp fall"?

Alternatives include "steep decline", "sudden drop", or "rapid decrease" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "sharp fall" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing statistical data or economic trends. However, consider alternatives like "marked reduction" for an even more formal tone.

What's the difference between "sharp fall" and "gradual decline"?

"Sharp fall" implies a sudden and quick decrease, whereas "gradual decline" suggests a slower, more progressive decrease over time. Use "sharp fall" when the change is abrupt and noticeable.