downward slope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downward slope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline or decrease in a particular situation, such as in a physical landscape or metaphorically in trends or performance. Example: "The company's profits have been on a downward slope since the new management took over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For example: "homeward bound", "the upward and the downward slope", "forward planning", but "spread outwards", "peer downwards", "move forwards".

The Guardian

But at the other end is a long downward slope.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the beginning of a downward slope.

The Guardian

All that walking up hill, no downward slope in sight.

The Guardian

Red lines show the downward slope of erased text on the Sussex Declaration.

Harvard University

But the lines are mostly flat, with only a slight downward slope among Republicans.

The Washington Post

Globally, we have simply not made enough progress to put emissions on a downward slope.

The New York Times

In the case of Binladenism, we may already be on the downward slope.

The Guardian - Books

Finally, easing the downward slope of the seafloor beneath the ice could slow its retreat.

The Washington Post

But if you mapped excitement against familiarity, you'd get a downward slope.

The Guardian

"But I don't know whether we're on a downward slope or on a flat playing field.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, such as economic performance or political influence, consider using "downward slope" to illustrate a decline or deterioration.

Common error

Avoid using "downward slope" when you actually mean the "slippery slope" fallacy. "Downward slope" simply describes a decline. The "slippery slope" fallacy, on the other hand, suggests that one action will inevitably lead to a series of negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downward slope" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI suggests it describes a declining gradient or a decreasing trend, either literally (as in a physical incline) or metaphorically (as in a decline in performance).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "downward slope" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a decline, either in a literal or figurative sense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When writing, be mindful of the "slippery slope" fallacy and use "downward slope" accurately to describe an actual decrease. As demonstrated by the numerous examples provided, "downward slope" is a valuable phrase for expressing decline across various subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downward trend

Direct synonym, interchangeable in many contexts focusing on trends.

downward incline

A synonym that describes something that’s physically going downwards.

declining trend

Similar to "negative trend", emphasizing the process of decreasing over time.

declining grade

Similar meaning, referring to a lower level of quality.

negative trend

Focuses on the trend aspect rather than a physical slope, suggesting a decline in data or performance.

declining trajectory

Implies a path or course that is decreasing, often used for abstract concepts like market share or popularity.

descending path

Describes a literal or figurative path that moves downward.

decreasing gradient

More technical term, often used in scientific or mathematical contexts.

slippery slope

Indicates a course of action that seems reasonable but leads to negative consequences; more metaphorical.

downward spiral

Suggests a continuous and worsening decline, often with negative implications.

FAQs

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

You can use "downward slope" to describe a literal physical decline, as in, "The car struggled on the "downward slope" of the hill". Or you can use it metaphorically, as in, "The company's profits have been on a "downward slope" since the new regulations were introduced".

What are some alternatives to "downward slope"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "declining trend", "negative trend", or "downward trend" when discussing data or performance. For physical slopes, consider "downward incline" or "descending path".

Is there a difference between "downward slope" and "slippery slope"?

"Downward slope" describes a decline, whereas "slippery slope" is a logical fallacy suggesting an initial action will inevitably lead to a series of negative consequences. They are not interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "downward slope" instead of "negative trend"?

Use "downward slope" when the decline is visualized or perceived as a literal slope or gradient. "Negative trend" is more suitable for data or performance that is decreasing over time, without necessarily implying a slope.