crawl down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crawl down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of moving downwards slowly or carefully, often in a physical context. Example: "The child decided to crawl down the hill instead of running."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Even if you have to crawl down, crawl down". During the call Mr Gomes said he cannot find his wife - who was seven months pregnant - and his daughters, who had been beside him.

BBC

There were days when I'd just crawl down under a coat, and this hail is coming at you and you're muddy, and the wet sand and you're in it for maybe eight hours straight and you have to climb a tree and jump.

Los Angeles Times

They are brave enough to crawl down dangerous collapsing tunnels.

Yale University

The successful ones crawl down through the generations.

The New York Times - Science

Not that I'm going to crawl down the aisles of my garden doing that.

The New York Times

She managed to crawl down some stairs and was not injured.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Mr. Gimenez crawled down into a hole, where he could hear a young woman's voice.

The New York Times

As we crawled down Avenue Montaigne, he waved expansively at the hulking house of Christian Dior.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nor, he thought, was CERN itself interested in having the United States Government Accountability Office and others "crawling down their shorts".

The New York Times - Science

The ants on top of the ball crawled down to the water and grabbed onto other water-level compatriots.

The Washington Post

"Outrage as man with cerebral palsy was forced to crawl off plane," ran one headline in the U.K. "Severely disabled man on plane crawls down aisle," read another.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a slow and deliberate descent, especially in situations where stability is crucial, use "crawl down" to convey the cautious nature of the movement.

Common error

Avoid using "crawl down" when you intend to describe a rapid or uncontrolled descent; phrases like "tumble down" or "rush down" would be more appropriate to capture that sense of speed and lack of control.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "crawl down" functions primarily as a descriptor of physical action, detailing a specific manner of movement. Examples from Ludwig show it used in diverse scenarios, from escaping a fire to navigating difficult terrain.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "crawl down" describes a slow and careful descent, often on hands and knees. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. It's a neutral term suitable for various contexts, from news reports to personal stories. While not as common as other verbs of motion, its specific connotation of caution makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Related phrases include "descend on hands and knees" or "lower oneself gingerly", each offering a slightly different nuance. When writing, use "crawl down" to convey careful and controlled movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descend on hands and knees

Specifies the mode of descent, emphasizing the use of hands and knees, adding details not present in the original phrase.

lower oneself gingerly

Focuses on the careful and cautious aspect of moving downward, highlighting the deliberate nature of the action.

creep downwards

Emphasizes slow, stealthy movement in a downward direction, adding a layer of discretion not necessarily implied in the original phrase.

edge downwards

Highlights a slow and cautious shift in position to a lower level.

scramble down

Suggests a more hurried and less controlled descent, often over uneven or difficult terrain.

clamber down

Involves climbing downwards, typically using both hands and feet, often on something steep.

slide down

Implies movement downward via sliding, differing from the crawling motion.

stoop down

Involves bending the body downwards, more of a partial lowering than a full descent.

move downwards slowly

General term for movement in a downwards direction but it's not specified in what form. There is no explicit mention of crawling.

drop to a lower level

Emphasizes a sudden or quick decrease in altitude or position, whereas "crawl down" implies a deliberate and cautious movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "crawl down" to describe someone moving downwards slowly and carefully, often on their hands and knees. For example, "The child decided to crawl down the hill instead of running."

What are some alternatives to "crawl down"?

Some alternatives include "descend on hands and knees", "lower oneself gingerly", or "creep downwards", depending on the specific context.

Is "crawl down" formal or informal?

"Crawl down" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both informal and formal contexts, as shown by its usage in news articles and academic texts.

When is it inappropriate to use "crawl down"?

Avoid using "crawl down" if the movement is rapid, uncontrolled, or doesn't involve a crawling motion. Terms like "slide down" or "tumble down" may be more accurate in those situations.