descend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "descend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to moving downward or to a lower level, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "As the sun began to set, the temperature started to descend rapidly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As deadlock looms and commentators descend into familiar demands for electoral reform, the leftwing campaign group Council of Canadians has launched a voter registration campaign, confident that increasing the last campaign's historically low 61% turnout will accomplish the necessary work automatically.

The Guardian

No doubt the restaurant, run by two brothers for the past 28 years, is buzzing in July and August, when Portuguese holidaymakers descend on the Alentejo coast.

The Guardian - Travel

The fierce nature of this fixture may be lost on those beyond the towns and villages of Ayrshire whose inhabitants will descend on Hampden Park.

The Guardian - Sport

Around two million people descend on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach – all dressed in white – to celebrate new year with a whole host of rituals topped off with a jaw-dropping fireworks display.

The Guardian - Travel

"Hang on … that is waaaaaay... What are you, like, 60 years old suddenly?" And the three of them descend into laughter.

The Guardian - Music

I need to descend to a more sensible altitude.

The Guardian - Travel

As a fan, and I'm a huge fan of Hegarty's, it's hard not to descend into hyperbole when it comes to his most beautiful songs: "Hope There's Someone" from I Am A Bird; "One Dove" from 2009's The Crying Light; the exquisite "My Lord, My Love" from the deluxe edition of the latest album, Swanlights.

The Guardian - Music

However, Bailando por un Sueño stands out because most episodes tend to descend into outright nudity.

The Guardian

Before Glass and the rest of his diverse cabaret descend (and let's hope they will) on David Cameron's local, they should think through what was good and bad about that strange and – but for 90 seconds – lovely Sunday in Kent, not least so they don't get outmanoeuvred again.

The Guardian

Now I'm just hoping that some sort of event will descend on me".

The Guardian

The southern slopes of the Lattari mountains descend so steeply into the sea between the villages of Positano and Vietri sul Mare that they often become cliffs.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual decrease or decline, consider using "descend" to convey a sense of controlled or deliberate movement, contrasting with more abrupt terms like "fall" or "drop".

Common error

Avoid using "descend" when you mean to "condescend". "Descend" refers to moving downward physically or metaphorically, while "condescend" means to show feelings of superiority.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "descend" is as an intransitive verb, indicating movement from a higher to a lower point, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI shows, this can refer to literal downward movement, a decline in status, or the act of something coming upon another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "descend" is a versatile verb that describes downward movement, decline, or something coming down upon something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "descend" is generally neutral in register, it's important to distinguish it from similar words like "condescend". When writing, consider whether "descend" accurately conveys the sense of controlled or deliberate movement you intend, versus more abrupt alternatives like "fall". Overall, understanding the nuances of "descend" ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go down

Indicates a simple movement to a lower place or level. Direct and literal.

come down

Similar to "go down", but often implies movement towards the speaker.

fall

Suggests a sudden and often uncontrolled downward movement.

decline

Implies a gradual deterioration or decrease in quality or status.

drop

Suggests a quick or sudden decrease in value or level.

sink

Indicates a slow and steady downward movement, often into a liquid or soft substance.

plunge

Suggests a rapid and forceful downward movement.

slope down

Describes a gradual downward incline.

slump

Implies a sudden and significant decline, often in a figurative sense like in sales or morale.

subside

Indicates a decrease in intensity or level, such as floodwaters receding.

FAQs

How to use "descend" in a sentence?

"Descend" can be used to describe physical downward movement (e.g., "The hikers began to descend the mountain"), a decline in status (e.g., "The empire started to descend into chaos"), or something coming down upon something else (e.g., "A wave of criticism began to descend on the company").

What can I say instead of "descend"?

You can use alternatives like "go down", "come down", "fall", or "decline" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "descend" instead of "fall"?

"Descend" often implies a more controlled or gradual downward movement compared to "fall", which suggests a sudden or uncontrolled drop. Use "descend" when emphasizing a deliberate downward motion.

What is the difference between "descend" and "condescend"?

"Descend" refers to moving downward, either literally or figuratively, whereas "condescend" means to behave in a way that shows you believe you are more intelligent or important than other people. They have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.