steep fall

USAGE SUMMARY

"steep fall" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sudden, significant drop in something, either literally or figuratively. Example sentence: The company experienced a steep fall in profits this quarter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A nice steep fall is just what I'm hoping for".

The New York Times - Books

Petrol Ofisi announced a steep fall in profits this week.

The Economist

He has endured a grueling journey, a rebound from a steep fall from grace.

The New York Times

His presence at Morgan reflects a determined rebound from a steep fall from grace.

The New York Times

The denunciations from the state's leading Democratic officials demonstrated the remarkably steep fall of Mr. Lopez.

The New York Times

A steep fall in the price of oil, the main export, has cut into government revenues.

The Economist

From the height of so much esteem, it is a steep fall.

The Economist

Although the recession has seen a steep fall in output, it has also hurt productive capacity.

The Economist

Since July the Greater Phoenix market has "cooled dramatically", thanks to a steep fall in demand.

The Economist

"But boxing has suffered a steep fall for half a century.

The New York Times - Sports

Given the recession and the steep fall in technology buying, Apple held up reasonably well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steep fall", ensure the context clearly establishes what is experiencing the decline. For instance, specify "a steep fall in stock prices" or "a steep fall in temperature".

Common error

Avoid using "steep fall" in contexts where a gradual or minor decline is more appropriate. Reserve it for situations involving a significant and rapid decrease to maintain accuracy and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep fall" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase signifies a notable and abrupt decline. Examples from Ludwig confirm its use in describing declines in profits, prices, or other measurable quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steep fall" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant and rapid decline across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for use in writing. Its primary function is to emphasize the severity and abruptness of a decline, as evidenced by the examples provided. The phrase is generally neutral in register, with a slight leaning towards professional contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific reporting. Therefore, use "steep fall" when you want to underscore a dramatic and swift downturn, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the decline. Be sure to avoid using this phrase when describing gradual or minor decreases, as that would misrepresent the true nature of the change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapid decline

Focuses on the speed of the decrease, similar to steepness.

sharp decrease

Emphasizes the abruptness of the change, akin to a steep angle.

precipitous drop

Highlights the sudden and dramatic nature of the fall.

sudden downturn

Indicates an unexpected negative shift or reversal.

drastic reduction

Stresses the magnitude of the reduction.

marked decline

Emphasizes that the decline is easily noticeable or significant.

significant drop

Highlights the importance or size of the drop.

substantial decrease

Indicates that the decrease is considerable in amount or degree.

abrupt descent

Implies a sudden and swift downward movement.

radical reduction

Conveys that the reduction is fundamental or extreme.

FAQs

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

You can use "steep fall" to describe a significant and rapid decline, as in "The company experienced a "steep fall" in profits" or "There was a "steep fall" in temperature overnight".

What are some synonyms for "steep fall"?

Alternatives to "steep fall" include "rapid decline", "sharp decrease", and "precipitous drop", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "steep fall" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing economic trends, scientific data, or other situations where a significant decline needs to be emphasized.

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

"Steep fall" implies a sudden and significant drop, whereas "gradual decline" suggests a slow and progressive decrease over time. The choice depends on the actual nature of the decline being described.