dropping down

USAGE SUMMARY

Dropping down is an acceptable phrase and grammar construction in written English.
It is often used to describe a person or object moving downward, usually quickly. For example: "The kite dropped down swiftly towards the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I was making up stuff, dropping down.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were dropping down into these mountains," he said.

The New York Times - Science

"You could argue those are dropping down in importance.

The New York Times

He cannot see his program ever dropping down.

The New York Times - Sports

Dropping down Blacka Hill, I sense I'm being followed.

The Guardian

Rosberg has a puncture and is dropping down the field.

The Guardian - Sport

"Now it's dropping down: High schoolers are playing high schoolers".

The New York Times

They're dropping down quite low at the moment.

The Guardian - Music

In the Central European race to join the EU, Croatia is dropping down the list.

The Economist

The tornadoes, which took two dozen lives and counting, passed by us without dropping down.

The New York Times

Once, kids broke in by dropping down through an exhaust chute.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decline in rankings or performance, use "dropping down" to convey a sense of movement and change. For example: "The team is "dropping down" the league table."

Common error

Avoid using "dropping down" to describe something that is inherently low or has always been in a low position. The phrase implies a change from a higher to a lower state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dropping down" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating movement from a higher to a lower position. As Ludwig indicates, this can apply to physical movement, rankings, or other measurable quantities. Examples in Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from sports to economics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dropping down" is a common and versatile phrasal verb used to describe a downward movement or decrease in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's less suitable for highly formal settings. When using "dropping down", ensure it accurately conveys a change from a higher to a lower state, whether physical, metaphorical, or quantitative. Consider alternatives like "descending" for a more formal tone or "falling" for a sudden descent. The frequency and adaptability of "dropping down" make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descending downwards

Similar to "dropping down" but could be used in a more descriptive context.

descending

This term is a more formal way of describing downward movement.

slipping down

Suggests a gradual or uncontrolled descent.

falling

Indicates a sudden and rapid downward movement.

sliding down

Implies a smooth and continuous downward movement.

decreasing

Implies a reduction in quantity, value, or intensity.

plummeting

Conveys a rapid and significant drop, often in a negative sense.

lowering oneself

Specifically refers to a person physically moving to a lower position.

declining

Indicates a gradual decrease or weakening.

reducing

Indicates lessening or diminishing in number or degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "dropping down" to describe a decrease in position, value, or intensity. For example, "The stock price is "dropping down" rapidly", or "The team is "dropping down" the rankings."

What's a more formal alternative to "dropping down"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "descending". This term is suitable for professional or academic contexts where a more elevated vocabulary is appropriate.

What can I say instead of "dropping down" to describe a decrease in value?

When referring to a decrease in value, consider using alternatives like "decreasing" or "declining". These alternatives are more specific to numerical or quantitative decreases.

Is "dropping down" appropriate for describing a physical fall?

While "dropping down" can describe physical movement, "falling" or "plummeting" may be more suitable for emphasizing a sudden or rapid descent. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.