take a nosedive

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a nosedive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a colloquial phrase used to describe when something suddenly and dramatically decreases in value or quality. For example, "The value of the stock market took a nosedive after the news broke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Galleries won't want to see their artists' prices take a nosedive".

The Guardian - Arts

But if he ditches them, the economy will probably take a nosedive, and voters will be even more upset.

The Economist

Nixon's staff and volunteers will manage the donations carefully, as they typically take a nosedive in January.

The Guardian

As a result, children and families experience frequent changes of workers and relationships with other agencies take a nosedive.

The Guardian

Brady said: "As most local authorities got rid of their grammar schools, we've seen social mobility take a nosedive".

The Guardian

The concept took off just as most Americans were watching the value of their paychecks, stock portfolios and 401 k)'s take a nosedive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

New York took a nosedive economically.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Georgia's relations with Russia took a nosedive.

The Guardian

But then, something happens: after that early boost, their performance takes a nosedive.

The New Yorker

It is now more than three years since the economy took a nosedive.

The New York Times

But Turkey's record on freedom of speech has taken a nosedive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a nosedive" to vividly describe situations where there's a rapid and negative downturn. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the suddenness and severity of the decline.

Common error

While "take a nosedive" is suitable for many situations, it's best to avoid it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "decline sharply" or "decrease significantly" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a nosedive" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes a sudden and rapid decline, often implying a negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a nosedive" is a common idiom used to describe a rapid and significant decline. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various sources, primarily in news and media. While grammatically sound, it's best to reserve this phrase for neutral or informal contexts, opting for more precise language in formal writing. Alternatives such as "decline sharply" or "fall rapidly" can provide similar meanings with a more formal tone. Remember, the strength of "take a nosedive" lies in its ability to vividly convey a sudden and negative downturn.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plummet

Emphasizes a steep and rapid fall, similar to a "nosedive" but without the idiomatic connotation.

decline sharply

Focuses on the decrease in value or quality, highlighting the severity of the drop.

fall rapidly

Highlights the speed of the descent, akin to the quickness implied by a "nosedive".

drop significantly

Indicates a notable reduction, emphasizing the magnitude of the decrease.

collapse

Suggests a complete and sudden failure, similar to the disastrous implication of a "nosedive".

decrease dramatically

Emphasizes the extent of the reduction, aligning with the dramatic nature of a "nosedive".

sink rapidly

Implies a quick descent, similar to the fast decline suggested by a "nosedive".

take a tumble

Suggests a less severe, but still significant, fall or decline in performance or value.

go into freefall

Focuses on an uncontrolled and rapid descent, emphasizing the lack of control.

take a plunge

Highlights a sudden and substantial drop, mirroring the abruptness of a "nosedive".

FAQs

What does "take a nosedive" mean?

The phrase "take a nosedive" means to decline rapidly and significantly, often leading to a disastrous outcome. It suggests a sudden and dramatic fall in value, quality, or performance.

How can I use "take a nosedive" in a sentence?

You can use "take a nosedive" to describe various situations where something declines rapidly. For example, "The company's stock price "plummeted" after the scandal was revealed" or "His grades "fell rapidly" when he stopped attending classes."

What are some alternatives to "take a nosedive"?

Alternatives to "take a nosedive" include phrases like "decline sharply", "fall rapidly", "drop significantly", or "collapse". These alternatives offer similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity.

Is it appropriate to use "take a nosedive" in formal writing?

While "take a nosedive" is widely understood, it's often considered informal. In formal writing, it's preferable to use more neutral and precise terms like "decrease dramatically" or "sink rapidly" to maintain a professional tone.