shrink dramatically

USAGE SUMMARY

"shrink dramatically" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to decrease significantly or rapidly in size, amount, or value. Example: The company's profits have shrunk dramatically in the last quarter due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"Nobody says your wealthy enclaves will shrink dramatically.

The New York Times

For a second, you shrink dramatically in scale.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some industries will have to shrink dramatically to survive.

The Economist

Without that money, City Year would have to shrink dramatically, or even shut down.

The New York Times

The state would shrink dramatically: government spending in Singapore is 14.5%% of GDP, compared with the United Kingdom's 45%.

The Guardian - Opinion

'Bear will survive, but it will shrink dramatically and take years to recover,' predicts Dick Bove of investment analysts Punk Ziegel & Co.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Delivery times shrank dramatically".

The New York Times

These "vanishing islands" are shrinking dramatically.

The Guardian

"The available multiple-use forest has shrunk dramatically.

The Guardian

New-build homes have shrunk dramatically over the decades.

The Guardian

The size of the manual working class has shrunk dramatically.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrink dramatically" to describe a rapid and significant reduction in size, quantity, or value. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is shrinking and the magnitude of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "shrink dramatically" when the reduction is minor or gradual. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the decrease is substantial and noticeable, use less strong language for more moderate scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrink dramatically" functions as a verb phrase, modifying a noun or subject to indicate a significant reduction in size, quantity, or scope. It emphasizes the magnitude and speed of the decrease. This is consistent with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shrink dramatically" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant and rapid reduction in size, quantity, or value. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the reduction is substantial and noticeable, as overusing it in minor contexts can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "decrease sharply", "decline significantly", and "reduce drastically" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific and encyclopedia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease sharply

Focuses on the speed and magnitude of the reduction.

decline significantly

Emphasizes the downward trend and its importance.

reduce drastically

Highlights the severity of the reduction.

diminish substantially

Stresses the extent of the decrease.

contract markedly

Suggests a noticeable reduction in size or scope.

plummet suddenly

Highlights the unexpected and rapid nature of the decline.

collapse rapidly

Implies a quick and severe reduction, often with negative connotations.

lessen considerably

Emphasizes the considerable extent of the decrease.

wane substantially

Suggests a gradual but significant decline.

tumble steeply

Indicates a rapid and uncontrolled fall.

FAQs

How can I use "shrink dramatically" in a sentence?

You can use "shrink dramatically" to describe a significant reduction in size, quantity, or value. For example, "The company's profits "shrank dramatically" due to the economic recession".

What are some alternatives to "shrink dramatically"?

Alternatives include "decrease sharply", "decline significantly", or "reduce drastically". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "shrink dramatically" or "decrease significantly"?

Both "shrink dramatically" and "decrease significantly" are correct. "Shrink dramatically" often implies a more rapid or visually noticeable reduction compared to "decrease significantly".

What's the difference between "shrink dramatically" and "diminish gradually"?

"Shrink dramatically" implies a rapid and substantial reduction, while "diminish gradually" suggests a slow, incremental decrease. The choice depends on the actual rate of reduction being described.