flew down

USAGE SUMMARY

"flew down" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is used to indicate that something descended quickly either from a high altitude or from another location. Example: The hawk flew down from the tree and snatched a mouse off the ground.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Detectives flew down to question him.

The New York Times

The two women flew down to Atlanta.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He flew down the line," Hickey recalled.

The New York Times - Sports

She said yes and flew down.

The New York Times

"So, I flew down there," he says.

The Guardian - Books

One afternoon this spring, Zuckerman flew down to Washington.

The New Yorker

Madiba flew down on the day of a key meeting.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

So the marines flew down to the coast.

The New Yorker

I fly down as often as possible.

Independent

We could fly down to Absurdistan next week.

The New Yorker

Mr. Sanders asks to fly down the river.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flew down", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the mode of transport and direction. It's most appropriate when describing movement from a higher to a lower place, or implying a quick journey.

Common error

Avoid using "flew down" when describing movement on a horizontal plane or when the mode of transport is not related to flying. For example, instead of saying "He flew down the street in his car", consider "He sped down the street in his car".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flew down" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of rapid descent or travel, often associated with air travel. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is used correctly. The examples illustrate its use in describing literal flying actions, as well as metaphorical rapid movements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flew down" is a verb phrase indicating a quick descent or travel, often by air. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. While its primary context is in news and media, the register remains neutral, making it versatile for different writing styles. Remember to use it accurately to convey the intended meaning and avoid applying it in contexts where other phrases might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descended rapidly

Focuses on the speed of descent rather than the mode of transport.

came rushing down

Implies a sense of urgency or haste in the descent.

traveled quickly to

Emphasizes the speed of travel to a destination, regardless of altitude change.

sped to

Highlights the high speed of travel.

raced to

Implies a competitive or urgent movement to a location.

arrived swiftly

Highlights the speed of arrival, omitting the mode of transportation.

hurried to

Emphasizes the haste or urgency of the travel.

jetted to

Informal way to express flying somewhere quickly.

made a quick trip to

Focuses on the brevity of the trip.

took a flight to

Specifies air travel as the mode of transportation, without emphasizing speed.

FAQs

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

"Flew down" can be used to describe a rapid descent, often by air. For example, "The pilot "flew down" the runway quickly".

What can I say instead of "flew down"?

Alternatives to "flew down" include "descended rapidly", "traveled quickly to", or "arrived swiftly", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "flew down" if someone traveled by car?

While "flew down" implies a rapid movement, it's more accurate to use it when describing air travel or a descent. For car travel, consider phrases like "sped down" or "raced to".

What's the difference between "flew down" and "traveled down"?

"Flew down" specifically suggests movement by air and often implies a descent from a higher altitude. "Traveled down", on the other hand, is more general and can refer to any mode of transport or direction of travel.