slumps in form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slumps in form" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline in performance or quality, often in the context of sports or artistic endeavors. Example: "The athlete has experienced several slumps in form this season, affecting their overall standings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Put it this way; England's slumps in form have coincided with injuries to Rooney.

Independent

His inexplicable slumps in form and erratic behaviour have led some – me included – to award him that catch-all title, 'enigma'.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

2005, England win 2-1 comese comes into his first Ashes tour, aged 24, in a bit of a slump in form and it shows – in nine innings he only once goes beyond 56.

The Guardian - Sport

Jermain Defoe's place must be doubtful given his recent slump in form.

Independent

Following the retirement of Sir Chris Hoy, his former team had endured a woeful slump in form.

The Guardian - Sport

A worrying slump in form for the aforementioned Bobby Mimms forced Venables to make a move in the market.

The Guardian - Sport

But their positive form counted for little against a Barcelona side who have rediscovered their groove after a slump in form in November.

The Guardian - Sport

"As a dedicated Sheffield United fan, I would like to apologise to Paraguay for the inevitable slump in form they will experience whilst wearing our kit," writes Justin Spencer.

The Guardian - Sport

To that end, we are all working round the clock to do everything in our powers to help arrest our slump in form".

The Guardian - Sport

Of the rest of the field, White had endured a slump in form since his Canadian Masters win and was not expected to end his World Championship pain.

The Guardian - Sport

During his time in charge of Chelsea, Mourinho is understood to have become angry with the response of the players to their alarming slump in form – but also was hugely frustrated with the structure of the club.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slumps in form" when referring to a noticeable and sustained decline in an athlete's, team's, or other entity's performance over a period of time.

Common error

Avoid using "slumps in form" to describe isolated incidents of poor performance. This phrase indicates a trend, not a one-time event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slumps in form" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its common usage in describing a decline in performance, often within a sports context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slumps in form" is a noun phrase used to describe a noticeable decline in performance, most commonly within the context of sports. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability, mainly in news and media. While grammatically sound, it is essential to use the phrase to describe an actual trend, rather than isolated incidents. Alternatives such as "decline in performance" or "drop in form" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. The phrase appears most frequently in neutral registers, making it suitable for professional communication when discussing performance downturns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form slump

Changes the word order but retains the core meaning.

decline in performance

Focuses on the decrease in the level of achievement, omitting the specific term "form".

drop in form

Uses "drop" instead of "slump", suggesting a sudden decrease.

dip in form

Uses 'dip' suggesting a small, temporary decline.

lapse in performance

Implies a temporary failure or decline.

deterioration in condition

More general, referring to a decline in overall state rather than specific performance.

nosedive in performance

Emphasizes a rapid and severe decline.

regression in performance

Suggests a return to a previous, less developed state of performance.

decrease in ability

Highlights the reduced capacity to perform, without mentioning "form".

falling off

Informal way to describe diminishing performance.

FAQs

How can I use "slumps in form" in a sentence?

You can use "slumps in form" to describe a decline in performance. For example: "The team's recent "slumps in form" have cost them several important games."

What's a more formal alternative to "slumps in form"?

A more formal alternative to "slumps in form" could be "decline in performance" or "regression in ability".

What causes "slumps in form" in sports?

Several factors can lead to "slumps in form", including injuries, fatigue, psychological issues, or changes in training regimens.

Is it appropriate to use "slumps in form" in business contexts?

While more common in sports, "slumps in form" can be used in business contexts to describe a decline in a company's or individual's performance, though phrases like "decline in performance" may be preferred. It's important to choose the most appropriate phrase depending on the specific context and audience.