curve downward

USAGE SUMMARY

"curve downward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe the movement or shape of a object or line that bends or slopes downward. Example: The path curved downward towards the river, leading us deeper into the forest. The graph shows the stock prices curving downward, indicating a decline in value. The bird's wings curved downward as it glided gracefully through the air.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

They won't be able bend the curve downward anymore.

The New York Times

They curve downward as if tugged by gravity, making her approachable, even sympathetic.

The New York Times

The new federal health care law may eventually "bend the cost curve" downward, as proponents argue.

The New York Times - Health

The historian Allan Brandt describes a cure proposed by one physician for chordee, a complication of gonorrhea that causes the head of the penis to curve downward.

The New Yorker

America, that is, will bend its domestic spending curve downward until it comports with revenues from a tax system no more burdensome than the historic average.

The New York Times

I agree that it will require real vigilance and oversight, and probably some fixes to the law, if Obamacare is to, as the saying goes, "bend the cost curve" downward.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But why is the AD curve downward-sloping?

The New York Times

and r = 100 a.u., e = 3.5×10−8 a.u. mL cell−1 and the maximum cell growth rate can be found by fitting the pure F+ (no conjugation) growth curve (downward-pointing triangle in Figure 2).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Call it the Obama Plan; it should combine a near-term stimulus on job-creating infrastructure, a phase-in, as the economy improves, of "something that resembles the 10-year Simpson-Bowles deficit-reduction plan — which would pay for the stimulus 15-20 times over" and a specific plan to "bend the health care cost-curve downward".

The New York Times

They have slender, strong bills that are often curved downward; strong feet; short, rounded wings; and long tails.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A reddish-pink dragon's-mouth flower has three erect sepals and a purplish-blotched lip that curves downward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when you want to describe the shape or direction of a physical object or path. For example: "The hiking trail curved downward sharply, requiring careful footing."

Common error

Avoid using "curve downward" in contexts where a simple decrease or reduction is meant. Use more direct terms like "decrease", "reduce", or "fall" when describing quantities or values that aren't necessarily represented graphically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curve downward" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the movement or shape of an object or abstract entity that is descending or decreasing. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Unknown/unmatched sources

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "curve downward" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to describe something that bends or slopes downwards. Grammatically sound and considered correct, it's frequently encountered in news, science, and wiki contexts. Ludwig AI supports this assessment with a range of examples. While alternatives like "slope downward" or "descend" exist, "curve downward" is particularly apt when emphasizing the continuous, bending nature of the descent. A key writing tip is to reserve its usage for cases where a tangible curve or graphical representation is relevant, avoiding it for simple linear decreases where more direct synonyms are more appropriate. To master the use of "curve downward", it's helpful to examine the provided examples and grasp the subtlety of its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bend downwards

Rephrases the original using a synonym for "curve".

turn downwards

Similar to "bend downwards", but uses "turn" to indicate a change in direction.

slope downward

Emphasizes the angle and direction of the curve.

veer downward

Implies a change in direction towards a downward path.

descend

Focuses on the action of moving downwards, simplifying the original phrase.

dip

Suggests a brief or shallow downward curve.

droop

Suggests a sagging or drooping motion.

decline

Highlights a reduction or decrease, often used in abstract contexts like economics.

fall

Implies a rapid or sudden descent.

sink

Indicates a gradual or complete downward movement, often into a substance.

FAQs

How can I use "curve downward" in a sentence?

You can use "curve downward" to describe the shape or direction of something. For example, "The road began to curve downward as we approached the valley."

What's a good alternative to "curve downward"?

Depending on the context, you could use "slope downward", "descend", or "decline".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "curve downward"?

While grammatically correct, using "curve downward" might be less appropriate if you're simply describing a decrease without a physical curve or graphical representation. In such cases, words like "decrease" or "drop" could be more fitting.

What does it mean to say something 'curves downward'?

Saying something "curves downward" means it follows a path or shape that bends or slopes in a descending direction.