Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
stepwise drop
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "stepwise drop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing a gradual decrease or reduction in a systematic manner. Example: "The experiment showed a stepwise drop in temperature as the substance was cooled."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Simultaneous recordings of middle cerebral arterial blood velocity showed a similar response pattern except that following the initial stepwise drop, flow velocity recovered more rapidly than blood pressure (Fig. 3).
The stepwise drop in oxygen evolution at the maximum irradiance value in fig. 3a,b and fig. 5a,b should be considered as an artefact specific to the Light Pipette model used (when the value of oxygen saturation in the cuvette exceeds 200 %, unpublished results of a methodical study).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Stepwise increments of the Me2SO concentration coupled with stepwise drops-in temperature in a device specifically designed for this purpose and X-ray computed tomography were combined to investigate loading times at each step, by monitoring the attenuation of the radiation proportional to Me2SO permeation.
Science
The specifications of the final models used in the estimations were obtained by starting with the full set of variables and a stepwise dropping of jointly insignificant variable-blocks (indicated by F-tests) in order to provide a parsimonious specification.The exact specifications of the estimated 28 propensity score models cannot be presented here.
Science
Cuff deflation induced sudden stepwise drops in arterial blood pressure that remained depressed for approximately 5 7 s before gradual restoration to baseline levels over the following 10 20 s via cardiac and vascular baroreflex-mediated increases in blood pressure.
Stepwise current drops were observed when a high intensity electron beam was used to cut individual CNT bundles in a device with multiple bundles.
Science
The R ext was dropped stepwise to 51 Ω as the voltage increased in the MFC operated at pH 7.0.
Science
Through stepwise optimization, eye drops containing solid drug/cyclodextrin complex microparticles with a mean diameter of 2 4 μm, dissolved drug/cyclodextrin complex nanoparticles and dissolved drug molecules in an aqueous eye drop media of low viscosity were designed.
Those factors with p > 0.05 in backwards stepwise regression were dropped from the final model.
Science
From these covariates, we used a backward stepwise selection procedure to drop out non significant variables (output if P > 0.05).
We then used a backward stepwise exclusion strategy by dropping the variable with the highest p-value until only significantly associated variables were left and built one final model including all the variables that were significantly associated (p-value<0.05) with any of the outcome parameters.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing experimental results or processes, use "stepwise drop" to clearly communicate a controlled and incremental decrease. This is particularly useful in scientific and technical writing for describing changes in variables such as temperature, pressure, or concentration.
Common error
Avoid using "stepwise drop" when the decrease isn't truly incremental or controlled. If the drop is sudden or erratic, alternatives like "sudden decline" or "sharp decrease" are more appropriate.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "stepwise drop" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of decrease or reduction. This reduction happens in distinct, incremental steps rather than continuously or abruptly. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in scientific contexts.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "stepwise drop" describes a gradual and incremental decrease, primarily used in scientific and technical contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound, though not exceedingly common. When employing this phrase, ensure the context genuinely involves a controlled, step-by-step reduction, distinguishing it from sudden or erratic declines. More common synonyms includes "gradual reduction", "incremental decrease" and "phased decline".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
gradual reduction
Focuses on the overall reduction occurring in stages.
incremental decrease
Highlights the small, successive changes that lead to a decrease.
phased decline
Emphasizes the decline happening in distinct phases or stages.
successive decrement
Formal term indicating a series of decreasing values or amounts.
gradated fall
Suggests a smoothly transitioning decrease.
stage-by-stage reduction
Explicitly states the reduction is happening in clearly defined stages.
progressive diminution
Highlights a gradual reduction in size, extent, or importance.
measured decrease
Implies a controlled and deliberate reduction.
sequential lessening
Focuses on the order and continuation of the decrease.
tiered descent
Metaphorical, suggesting a descent happening in levels or tiers.
FAQs
How can I use "stepwise drop" in a sentence?
You can use "stepwise drop" to describe a gradual decrease in something, especially in scientific or technical contexts. For example: "The experiment showed a "stepwise drop" in temperature as the reaction progressed."
What are some alternatives to "stepwise drop"?
Alternatives include "gradual reduction", "incremental decrease", or "phased decline". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is "stepwise drop" formal or informal?
"Stepwise drop" is generally considered a more formal term, suitable for scientific, technical, or professional writing. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "gradual decrease" might be more appropriate.
What's the difference between "stepwise drop" and "sudden drop"?
"Stepwise drop" implies a controlled, incremental decrease, while "sudden drop" refers to an abrupt and immediate decrease. The former is gradual; the latter is immediate.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested