bumpy descent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bumpy descent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a rough or uneven landing, often in the context of aviation or metaphorically in other situations. Example: "The pilot warned us that we would experience a bumpy descent as we approached the airport due to turbulent weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Opt either to raft along the white-water rapids of the Pacuare River or enter via "ground transportation" from San José, catching a minibus through the old capital of Cartago, to the town of Turrialba, before changing to a 4x4 in Santa Marta for the final bumpy descent into the resort.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This has, on the whole, been a festival of laborious lift-offs and bumpy descents; of also-rans and almost-greats.

The Guardian - Film

"VERY BUMPY ON DESCENT," the report says.

Vice

Pilot report from the Washington DC area this morning: "IAD UUA /OV KIAD/TM 1238/FL040/TP CRJ2/TB MOD-SEV/RM VERY BUMPY ON DESCENT.

Huffington Post

The descent was bumpy and by the time we hit the tarmac at Newark Airport my cat, who had been cooped up for more than 11 hours in her carrier was foaming at the mouth with discomfort.

Huffington Post

The descent into Chicago was bumpy.

The New York Times

Unlike a smooth, soft sandboarding descent, the ride was bumpy, the noise deafening.

The New York Times - Travel

Our descent into Bermuda was bumpy but uneventful and we disembarked and spent an hour in the transit lounge as the plane was refueled and we were once again called to board the plane for the final six hour flight to London.

Huffington Post

In Eisenstein's movie, the Odessa Steps form a harrowing (and bumpy) backdrop to the massacre of innocents, summarized in the descent of a baby carriage and a mother's horror.

The New Yorker

With this approach, skiing in bumpy terrain no longer becomes a struggle of big muscle movements — over-rotated shoulders, aggressive knee flex and a jarring descent — but a finesse thing executed with subtle pressuring in the feet and ankles.

The New York Times - Travel

Instead, it is whether its slowdown will be a gradual descent a little bumpy at times but free from crisis or a sudden, dangerous lurch lower.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical journey, use "bumpy descent" to vividly convey the experience of uneven or turbulent downward motion. This phrase works well in travel writing or narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "bumpy descent" when describing abstract concepts like a career decline or a project's progress. While 'bumpy' can be metaphorical, 'descent' implies a physical or literal downward movement. Use a more appropriate phrase like "rough patch" or "difficult period" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bumpy descent" functions as a descriptive phrase, combining an adjective ("bumpy") with a noun ("descent") to depict a particular kind of downward movement. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes uneven landings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bumpy descent" is a descriptive phrase used to depict an uneven or turbulent downward movement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and generally found in news and media contexts, its metaphorical use should be carefully considered. For alternatives, consider "rough landing" or "turbulent approach" for greater clarity and impact. The best practice is to consider if an uneven experience is a relevant element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough landing

Focuses specifically on the landing aspect of the descent being uneven.

turbulent approach

Highlights the instability during the approach phase.

uneven drop

Emphasizes the irregularity of the downward movement.

jerky decline

Describes the descent as characterized by sudden, sharp movements.

unstable fall

Highlights the lack of stability during the falling motion.

shaky downward path

Focuses on the instability and unevenness of the path taken during the descent.

jarring descent

Emphasizes the unpleasant, shaking quality of the descent.

choppy drop

Describes the descent as being interrupted by sudden, irregular movements.

oscillating decline

Highlights the wavering, back-and-forth nature of the descent.

erratic downward movement

Focuses on the unpredictable nature of the downward motion.

FAQs

How can I use "bumpy descent" in a sentence?

You can use "bumpy descent" to describe a turbulent or uneven landing, such as: "The pilot warned us to expect a "bumpy descent" due to the storm".

What is a good alternative to "bumpy descent"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "bumpy descent" include "rough landing", "turbulent approach", or "uneven drop".

Is "bumpy descent" appropriate for describing abstract concepts?

While "bumpy" can be used metaphorically, "descent" usually implies a physical downward movement. For abstract concepts, consider alternatives like "rough patch" or "difficult period".

What kind of writing is "bumpy descent" suitable for?

"Bumpy descent" is suitable for descriptive writing, travelogues, or narratives where you want to convey a vivid sense of a physically uneven or turbulent downward movement. It may also be applied metaphorically to abstract settings.