descending the steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "descending the steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of going down a set of stairs. Example: "As she was descending the steps, she noticed a beautiful painting on the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Doris, who went to meet them at the airport, took photos of them descending the steps.

The New Yorker

People had walked through turnstiles and along a wooden corridor before descending the steps into their seats.

The Guardian

In one image, the Kennedys are descending the steps from Air Force One on that fateful day in Dallas, 1963.

The Guardian - Arts

Roger Ebert, descending the steps of the Palais, told a television crew that "Brown Bunny" was perhaps the worst film ever to compete in the festival.

The New York Times

For the concert's second half, he emerged in a tuxedo, descending the steps of a golden bandstand while crooning "Someone to Watch Over Me".

The New York Times

As the door opens, the camera goes out, first seeing the craft's shadow on the barren landscape, then descending the steps to make that giant leap for mankind.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

At Mermaid Quay, descend the steps to the waterfront.

The Guardian - Travel

The musicians descend the steps on each side.

The New York Times - Arts

13A solitary runner gazes across Harvard Stadium as he climbs and descends the steps.

Harvard University

Twenty minutes later, the President and his wife emerged, waved, smiled and descended the steps.

The New York Times

Obama descended the steps with Orlando congresswoman Corinne Brown and Florida senator Marco Rubio.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "descending the steps" to create a visual image of someone moving downward, often from a higher position or location. This can add depth to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "descending the steps" when a simpler phrase like "going down the stairs" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "descending the steps" functions as a gerund phrase, often used adjectivally or adverbially to describe an action taking place. Ludwig confirms this phrase is usable in written English. Examples show it describing the action of individuals moving downwards.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "descending the steps" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of going down a set of stairs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, but most frequently appears in news and media. While versatile, it's best used when a visual or descriptive element is desired, and should not be overused in place of simpler alternatives like "going down the stairs". The phrase conveys a neutral tone and a clear image of downward movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going down the stairs

More generic and straightforward than the original phrase.

moving down the steps

General and neutral, similar to "going down".

walking down the steps

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the action of walking.

stepping down the steps

Focuses on the individual steps taken.

coming down the steps

Implies movement towards the speaker or a specific location.

making their way down the steps

Emphasizes effort or a deliberate action.

proceeding down the steps

More formal and suggests a planned movement.

exiting via the steps

Focuses on leaving a place using the steps.

traversing the steps downwards

More elaborate and literary.

declining the steps

Formal and somewhat archaic, implying a downward movement.

FAQs

How can I use "descending the steps" in a sentence?

You can use "descending the steps" to describe someone moving downwards on a staircase, such as: "She was "descending the steps" when she tripped."

What are some alternatives to "descending the steps"?

Some alternatives include "going down the stairs", "walking down the steps", or "coming down the steps", depending on the context.

Is "descending the steps" formal or informal?

"Descending the steps" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal contexts.

What is the difference between "descending the steps" and "going down the stairs"?

"Descending the steps" is slightly more descriptive and can create a stronger visual image compared to the more general phrase "going down the stairs".