filter down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filter down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a process of data being broken down into pieces to make it easier to understand. For example, "The company's data had been filtered down into manageable sections for the analyst to review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The message is beginning to filter down, slowly but surely".

The Guardian

That belief appeared to filter down to voters.

The New York Times

The killer instinct needs to filter down to everyone else.

The New York Times - Sports

These attitudes filter down to grassroots in surprisingly effective ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That did not filter down to the people".

The Guardian

Those are leadership intangibles that kind of filter down".

The New York Times - Sports

"It can filter down to us, subtly or indirectly.

The New York Times

"This will definitely impact women, it will filter down".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The back-end receiver consists of band-pass filter, down-converter, and low-noise amplifier.

Earth, Planets and Space

Clotting and the resultant filter down-time adversely affect azotaemic control [ 2].

Critical Care

His economic policies are filter-down retreads.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "filter down", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being filtered and to where or whom it is being distributed. For example, "The new policy needs to filter down to all employees".

Common error

Avoid using "filter down" in highly technical contexts where more precise terminology might be expected. Instead of saying "the algorithm filters down the data", consider "the algorithm reduces the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filter down" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb. It describes the process of something spreading or being passed from a higher level to a lower level, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "filter down" is a common and acceptable way to describe the spread of something from a higher level to a lower one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While broadly applicable, it's advisable to use more precise or formal language in highly technical contexts. Consider alternatives like "trickle down" or "disseminate downward" depending on the specific context. The most frequent usage is found in the News & Media. Remember to ensure clarity by specifying what is being filtered and to where.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trickle down

Implies a gradual and indirect effect, often used in economics.

percolate through

Suggests a gradual spread or influence, similar to liquid passing through a substance.

cascade down

Conveys a flowing or abundant transfer from top to bottom.

disseminate downward

More formal, emphasizing the distribution of information or resources.

descend through the ranks

Specifically refers to the hierarchical distribution within an organization.

pass down the line

Refers to information transmitted through a chain of people.

funnel downwards

Suggests a controlled or directed flow from top to bottom.

be conveyed down

A passive way of saying something is delivered downwards.

seep through

Implies a slow, often subtle, permeation.

graduate downward

Suggests a transition from a higher to a lower level.

FAQs

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

You can use "filter down" to describe how information, resources, or influence spread from a higher level to a lower one. For example, "The company's message needs to "filter down" to every department".

What does "filter down" mean?

"Filter down" means that something gradually spreads or is passed from a higher level or source to a lower one. It's often used when discussing information or resources within an organization or society.

Are there any synonyms for "filter down"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "trickle down", "percolate through", or "cascade down" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "filter down" in formal writing?

While "filter down" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "disseminate downward" or "descend through the ranks" in highly formal or technical contexts.