cascade down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cascade down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that falls or moves in large amounts, like water flowing down a river, or sweat cascading down a person's face. For example, "The summer heat made sweat cascade down her forehead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mangled cables cascade down from the smashed ceiling tiles.

The Guardian

Then change can cascade down from the top.

Harvard Business Review

What will cascade down to other aspects of my work in a positive way?

Harvard Business Review

Goal-setters are frequently advised that goals should cascade down from the top of the organization.

Harvard Business Review

The 30 simple, but comfortable, rooms cascade down a cliffside toward Little Vagator Beach.

The New York Times - Travel

Presumably, such gargantuan bribes to senior officials cascade down, securing the allegiance of their subordinates.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was also unclear whether the new pay rules would cascade down to managers just below that group.

The New York Times

Money can stay in the trust and cascade down from generation to generation and nobody pays inheritance tax on it".

The Guardian - Money

It seemed ages before anybody responded – people were lighting their cigarettes to ignite the smoke bombs – but then I saw stuff beginning to cascade down".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Luxurious fabrics cascade down windows, fashioned into the kinds of window treatments in which one imagines Marie Antoinette and friends surrounded themselves.

The New York Times

One morning last week, Mr. Brooks, 73, stopped at the foot of an 80-foot false cypress -- Chamaecyparis nootkatensis Pendula -- whose lacy branches cascade down like a fountain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cascade down" to vividly describe a substance or concept flowing or extending downwards in a way that resembles a waterfall or a cascading effect, suggesting volume and visual impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cascade down" for every instance of downward movement. Overuse can weaken its descriptive power. Reserve it for scenarios where the imagery of a waterfall or cascade genuinely enhances the reader's understanding or experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cascade down" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a downward movement or flow, often suggesting a large quantity or continuous stream. Ludwig examples show it used both literally (waterfalls, debris) and figuratively (change, influence).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cascade down" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe something descending with volume and visual impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, demonstrated across diverse sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While its primary function is to create a vivid image, it's important to avoid overuse. Instead, use semantically similar alternatives (such as "tumble down" or "flow down") to keep your writing fresh. With its prevalence in News & Media, understanding its nuances can significantly enhance your writing skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall downwards

A more literal and general way of describing something falling.

flow down

Suggests a smooth and continuous downward movement, especially for liquids or abstract concepts.

tumble down

Implies a less controlled and more haphazard descent.

pour down

Indicates a heavy and forceful downward movement.

descend rapidly

Focuses on the speed of the downward movement.

rain down

Suggests a shower-like descent from above.

plummet down

Emphasizes a rapid and steep descent.

spread downwards

Emphasizes the spatial expansion as something moves down.

trickle down

Suggests a slow and gradual downward movement, often in small amounts.

move progressively lower

Describes a step-by-step downward movement or progression.

FAQs

How can I use "cascade down" in a sentence?

The phrase "cascade down" describes something that falls or flows in large amounts, like "waterfalls cascade down mountain cliffs" or "emotions cascade down the audience".

What are some alternatives to "cascade down"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "tumble down", "flow down", or "pour down".

Is "cascade down" formal or informal?

The phrase "cascade down" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While often used in descriptive writing, it's also acceptable in professional or news-related content.

What does it mean when errors "cascade down" a system?

When errors "cascade down" a system, it means that the initial errors create a chain reaction, leading to further problems and malfunctions throughout the whole system.