steady fall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steady fall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or gradual decrease in something, such as prices, temperatures, or performance. Example: "The company reported a steady fall in sales over the last quarter, prompting management to reevaluate their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

One is the steady fall in the euro, a victim of the crisis (see article).

The Economist

This maintains a steady fall from a peak of 48.4% in 1990.

The Economist

"More recent trends have seen a steady fall in the use of cannabis, amphetamines, and more recently, ecstasy," she said.

The Guardian

Sculptures got made and unmade, lost and found, amid a steady fall of clay and chiselled plaster.

The Guardian - Arts

Since then, there has been a steady fall but the total number of seizures rose again in 2011.

The Guardian

These provisions add to the wider pressures leading to the steady fall in the proportion of persons in full-time work above the normal pension age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

In 1995-96, Britain's emissions of carbon dioxide (by far the most widely produced greenhouse gas) actually rose by 2.9%, almost wiping out the steady falls since 1991.

The Economist

The government said food sales were nearly steady, falling only 0.2percentt, while the nonfood sector was hurt by overall weakness in consumer spending.

The New York Times

Steady falls can indicate deteriorating conditions and an approaching low pressure area, with the largest falls occurring in advance of a surface cyclone and its attendant warm front.

Wikipedia

As for the depression patients, they showed a steady falling trend with higher classes only when the conforming subjects were included.

BMC Psychiatry

Glenn Beck's ratings at Fox News continued their steady decline, falling to an all-time low last month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steady fall", consider quantifying the rate of decline to provide a clearer picture. For example, "a steady fall of 2% per month" gives more specific information than just "a steady fall".

Common error

Avoid using "steady fall" when the decline is abrupt or fluctuates significantly. This term implies a smooth, consistent decrease, not a series of peaks and valleys.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steady fall" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a consistent decrease in various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its common and acceptable use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steady fall" is a versatile and frequently used term to describe a consistent decrease over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. While alternatives like "gradual decline" or "consistent decrease" exist, "steady fall" offers a clear and concise way to express a progressive reduction. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias contexts, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. Remember to quantify the decline where possible to provide more precise information and avoid using it when the decrease is sudden or erratic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual decline

Emphasizes the slow and progressive nature of the decrease, similar to "steady fall".

consistent decrease

Highlights the regularity and unbroken pattern of the decline.

progressive reduction

Focuses on the step-by-step diminishing of something.

continuous drop

Implies an ongoing and uninterrupted decrease.

downward trend

Describes a general tendency towards lower values or levels.

decline

A more general term for decrease, lacking the emphasis on steadiness.

decrease

A simple term for diminishing. Lacks the nuance of a gradual, persistent pattern.

erosion

Suggests a wearing away or gradual destruction, applicable in specific contexts.

slide

Suggests a smooth, uncontrolled downward movement.

plummet

Conveys a rapid and dramatic fall, contrasting with the gradual nature of "steady fall".

FAQs

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

You can use "steady fall" to describe a gradual decrease, as in "The company experienced a "steady fall" in profits this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "steady fall"?

Alternatives include "gradual decline", "consistent decrease", or "downward trend". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a steady fall off" instead of "steady fall"?

While "fall off" can indicate a decrease, using just ""steady fall"" is generally more concise and direct. "Fall off" can imply something detaching or separating, which might not always be the intended meaning.

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

"Steady fall" implies a gradual and consistent decrease, while "sharp decline" suggests a sudden and rapid drop. The choice depends on the rate of change you want to emphasize.