steep drop

USAGE SUMMARY

"steep drop" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to a sudden and drastic fall in a value, or decline in a rate. For example, "There was a steep drop in the stock market following the announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A very steep drop.

The New York Times - Sports

What has driven the steep drop?

The New York Times

This steep drop in price harms other homeowners.

The Economist

I predict a steep drop in sales of Lunesta tonight.

The Economist

That was a steep drop from 71,000 in 2006.

The New York Times

Then, he finds himself teetering above a steep drop.

The Guardian - Books

Overtime hours in manufacturing showed a particularly steep drop.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But like second base, there's a steep drop-off after the top three.

The New York Times

With a clutch of new releases every Friday, steep drop-offs in audiences have become routine.

The Economist

But there was a steep drop-off when it came to representation within the industry.

The Guardian - Film

The steep drop-in led to powder-laden slopes peppered with fir trees.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing quantitative data, use "steep drop" to emphasize a rapid and significant decrease in value or quantity. Use it when the rate of change is as important as the final value.

Common error

Avoid using "steep drop" when describing gradual or incremental declines. This phrase is most effective when the decrease is sudden and noticeable, not slow and progressive. If the decline is gradual, consider terms like "steady decline" or "gradual decrease".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep drop" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden and significant decrease, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steep drop" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a sudden and significant decline, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's particularly useful in news, business, and scientific contexts where quantifying changes is essential. While versatile, it's important to reserve it for declines that are truly rapid and substantial, avoiding its use for gradual or minor decreases. As Ludwig examples show, "steep drop" can effectively highlight critical shifts in data, emphasizing the magnitude and speed of the change to the reader. Remember, using it correctly will enhance the impact and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp decline

Replaces "steep" with "sharp", emphasizing the suddenness and severity of the decrease.

sudden fall

Uses "sudden" instead of "steep", highlighting the abruptness of the decrease.

rapid decrease

Employs "rapid" to underscore the quick pace of the decline.

precipitous decline

Substitutes "steep" with "precipitous", offering a more formal and dramatic tone.

drastic reduction

Replaces both "steep" and "drop" with "drastic" and "reduction", focusing on the magnitude of the change.

significant downturn

Uses "significant downturn" to describe a notable negative trend.

abrupt plunge

Replaces "drop" with "plunge" to convey a sense of suddenness and force.

marked decrease

Emphasizes the visibility and notability of the decrease.

substantial decline

Highlights the significant amount of the decline.

considerable reduction

Focuses on the magnitude of the reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "steep drop" in a sentence?

You can use "steep drop" to describe a sudden and significant decrease in something. For example: "There was a "steep drop" in sales after the product recall" or "The company experienced a "steep drop" in profits due to increased competition".

What can I say instead of "steep drop"?

Alternatives to "steep drop" include "sharp decline", "sudden fall", or "rapid decrease". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "steep drop" in formal writing?

Yes, "steep drop" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing quantifiable data. However, consider more formal alternatives like "precipitous decline" if a more sophisticated tone is desired.

What is the difference between "steep drop" and "slight decrease"?

"Steep drop" indicates a significant and rapid decline, while "slight decrease" refers to a small and often gradual reduction. The choice depends on the magnitude and speed of the change you are describing.