Grammar fix
dip
fall slightly
To fall slightly, usually for a short time, in price, value or level.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
House prices dipped slightly after the new tax was announced.
I work weekends in a café, and sales always dip in January because everyone's skint after Christmas.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Sales dipped of 10 per cent last month.
Say: Sales dipped by 10 per cent last month.
Use 'dip by' to give the size of the fall.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Prices or numbers go lower
How large a fallSmallVery large
dipYou're here · A small fall, often temporary, in prices or other figures.
come downAn everyday choice for prices or levels becoming lower.plummetEmphasises a very large and rapid fall.