steeper than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steeper than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is more difficult, intense, or costly than initially anticipated. Example: "The learning curve for this new software is steeper than expected, making it challenging for the team to adapt quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Gap, for example, said that sales in stores open at least a year fell 12percentt, steeper than expected.

The New York Times

The International Energy Agency said on July 10th that the drop in production had been steeper than expected.

The Economist

The association said that while it expected lower profits after an exceptionally strong first quarter, the decline was steeper than expected.

The New York Times

Orders for durable goods fell 8.5percentto to $165.44 billion, the lowest level since August 1996; the drop was far steeper than expected.

The New York Times

The release, as reported by The News, suggested that Ford would also say that its fourth-quarter losses would be steeper than expected.

The New York Times

You have become a Saturday night special, a destination for weekenders and anniversary celebrators; the fall-off from the summer is not a surprise, just steeper than expected.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The more homes are on the market, the less chance that prices will stabilise.The announcement on July 8th of a steeper-than expected 4.7% drop in pending home sales in May dashed any hopes of a quick turnaround.

The Economist

While homelessness went up in the borough last year, as it did across London, the rise was less steep than expected: 8.6% for families placed in temporary accommodation and a similarly small increase for rough sleepers.

The Guardian

The number of people claiming benefits for more than a week, meanwhile, fell by nearly 80,000, to 4.5 million, a steeper decline than expected.

The New York Times

After more than 13 hours of talks, the ministers approved a new bailout of 130 billion euros, or $172 billion, under which  private investors in Greek debt will take even steeper losses than expected to help stave off the country's imminent default.

The New York Times

Still, the decline was steeper than analysts expected, prompting them to ask just how Goldman stumbled in the quarter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "steeper than expected" to convey a sense of surprise or unexpected intensity when describing a change or development. For example, "The decline in sales was steeper than expected, indicating a significant shift in consumer behavior."

Common error

Avoid using "steeper than expected" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "more than we thought" or "worse than we figured" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steeper than expected" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is more intense, challenging, or severe than initially anticipated. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing unexpected declines in sales, profits, or economic activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steeper than expected" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is more intense, challenging, or severe than initially anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, business, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. While "steeper than expected" is generally well-received, it's important to avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler language may suffice. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively convey the sense of surprise or concern associated with an unexpected change or development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more severe than predicted

Highlights the intensity and negative impact of the situation.

sharper than anticipated

Implies a sudden and significant decline or increase that was not expected.

more drastic than projected

Suggests a significant and sudden change that exceeded initial projections.

more pronounced than anticipated

Emphasizes the visibility or noticeable quality of the unexpected increase or change.

more acute than expected

Highlights the intensity and sharpness of a negative development.

more significant than predicted

Highlights the importance and impact of the unexpected change or result.

greater than foreseen

Focuses on the lack of foresight regarding the magnitude of something.

more considerable than estimated

Emphasizes the significance and importance of the unexpected increase.

larger than anticipated

Emphasizes the unexpected size or extent of something.

higher than initially thought

Focuses on a revised understanding of a value or level.

FAQs

How can I use "steeper than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "steeper than expected" to describe a decline, increase, or learning curve that is more significant or challenging than initially anticipated. For example, "The company's losses were "steeper than expected" due to unforeseen market conditions."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "steeper than expected"?

Some alternatives to "steeper than expected" include phrases like "more pronounced than anticipated", "more severe than predicted", or "sharper than anticipated", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "steeper than expected"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used to describe something that is more intense or challenging than initially anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Which is correct: "steeper than expected decline" or "more steep than expected decline"?

"Steeper than expected decline" is the more concise and grammatically preferred option. While "more steep" is not incorrect, "steeper" is a more direct comparative form. Consider instead "more pronounced than anticipated decline".