steep reduction in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steep reduction in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or sharp decrease in something, such as prices, quantities, or levels. Example: "The company reported a steep reduction in sales during the last quarter, prompting concerns about its financial stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Perhaps the biggest surprise was the steep reduction in sales estimates of network equipment.

The New York Times

Inside, a group of advocates in wheelchairs also criticized a steep reduction in financing for in-home care.

The New York Times

The Awakening Councils, as they are known, are credited by American officials as one of the main catalysts behind the steep reduction in violence there.

The New York Times

These include the privatization of government-owned airlines, utilities and manufacturing companies; the elimination of trade barriers within Europe; and a steep reduction in government subsidies for business.

The New York Times

The work on the garden has already had one positive outcome: a steep reduction in crime there and along the adjacent riverbank.

The New York Times - Arts

To finance his dream, he raised tuition and cut staff, resulting in a dangerous drop in enrollment and a steep reduction in revenue that brought the school into a full-fledged fiscal crisis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

George Osborne's emergency budget made no pretence about the need for steep reductions in spending in a number of programmes.

The Guardian - Opinion

MySpace suffered steep reductions in traffic when it altered the user experience with redesigns and increased ads.

The New Yorker

Without a compromise, the Pentagon and its civilian contractors would face steep reductions in virtually every program.

The New York Times

But making that push while also seeking steep reductions in emissions of the heat-trapping gases that cause global warming significantly compounds the degree of difficulty.

The New York Times

But others say recent corporate announcements of steep reductions in capital spending, plus faltering sales and profits among technology companies, suggest there is something to the notion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data trends, use "steep reduction in" to effectively communicate a rapid and significant decrease. Ensure the context supports the implication of a fast rate of change.

Common error

Avoid using "steep reduction in" if the decrease is significant but occurred gradually over time. "Significant decrease" or "gradual decline" might be more appropriate alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep reduction in" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing significant decreases in various quantifiable aspects, such as sales, violence, or crime.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steep reduction in" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a rapid and significant decrease. Ludwig's analysis of numerous sources, shows that it's especially prevalent in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the implication of a fast rate of change. Alternatives like "significant decrease in" or "sharp decline in" can be used if the rate of change is not the primary focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant decrease in

Replaces "steep" with "significant" indicating a considerable decrease without emphasizing the rate of change.

sharp decline in

Uses "sharp decline" emphasizing a sudden and rapid decrease.

substantial drop in

Substitutes "steep" with "substantial" conveying a large decrease.

marked decrease in

Emphasizes that the reduction is noticeable or easily observed.

considerable fall in

Uses "considerable fall" suggesting a notable and significant decrease.

large-scale decrease in

Highlights the extent or scope of the reduction.

radical cut in

Suggests a drastic and fundamental reduction.

rapid downturn in

Focuses on the speed and negative direction of the change.

precipitous decline in

Emphasizes the suddenness and severity of the reduction.

noticeable lessening of

Indicates an easily observed decrease, softening the impact compared to "steep".

FAQs

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

Use "steep reduction in" to describe a rapid and significant decrease. For instance, "The company experienced a steep reduction in profits this quarter."

What can I say instead of "steep reduction in"?

You can use alternatives like "significant decrease in", "sharp decline in", or "substantial drop in" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "steep reduction in" and "gradual decrease in"?

"Steep reduction in" implies a rapid and significant decline, while "gradual decrease in" suggests a slower, more progressive decline. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the rate of change.

When is it appropriate to use "steep reduction in" rather than "slight reduction in"?

Use "steep reduction in" when the decrease is both substantial and rapid. If the decrease is small or insignificant, "slight reduction in" or "modest decrease in" would be more appropriate.