flow down

USAGE SUMMARY

"flow down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an action of something moving in a downward direction. Example: The water flowing down the river sparkled in the sunlight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Water would flow down the walls.

The New York Times

The uncertainties flow down the government ranks.

The New York Times

Does it start to flow down the river?

The Washington Post

It was like watching water flow down a hill".

The New York Times - Magazine

Plastics flow down rivers into the sea, harming ocean life.

The Economist

Quenching the flow down stream the reactor improved C2 yield.

Catalysis Today

When dirt gets packed too tight, air and water can't flow down to the roots.

Cornell University

If the oil concentration were zero, the water would naturally flow down both branches.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

§ 37.610 Must I tell participants what requirements they are to flow down for subrecipients' systems?

Cornell University

A mix of persuasive pressure and inducements, Ross and Makovsky say, would flow down this channel.

The New York Times

"There's a flow down the hill toward the water lilies," Mr. Woods said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flow down" to describe the movement of liquids, granular substances, or abstract concepts from a higher to a lower point or state.

Common error

Avoid using "flow down" excessively in abstract contexts where more precise verbs like 'descend', 'devolve', or 'decrease' might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flow down" functions as a verb phrase indicating movement from a higher to a lower position. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which validates its grammatical correctness. The examples showcase its use in describing physical phenomena like water or tears, as well as abstract concepts like policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flow down" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe movement from a higher to a lower position or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its prevalence in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, underscores its general applicability. When using "flow down", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, avoiding overuse in overly abstract situations. Alternatives such as "descend" or "trickle down" might provide more precise descriptions depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descend

Refers to moving or falling downward; less focused on continuous movement.

cascade

Suggests a rapid, abundant flow downwards, like a waterfall.

drain

Implies emptying something by flowing downwards; often used for liquids.

trickle down

Describes a slow, gradual flow downwards.

pour down

Indicates a heavy, continuous flow downwards, often used for rain.

move downward

A general term for any movement in a downward direction.

fall

Highlights the action of dropping from a higher to a lower level.

gravitate

Suggests movement towards something due to an attraction or influence.

course

To move rapidly along a path.

run

Implies continuous movement or operation.

FAQs

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

You can use "flow down" to describe the movement of liquids such as, "The water "flows down" the river" or to describe a cascade, "Tears "flow down" her face".

What can I say instead of "flow down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "descend", "cascade", or "drain". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

Which is correct, "flow down" or "flow downwards"?

"Flow down" is more commonly used and generally preferred. "Flow downwards" is grammatically correct but less frequent. Both are acceptable, but consider the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "trickle down" and "flow down"?

"Trickle down" implies a slow, gradual movement from top to bottom, often used in economic contexts. "Flow down" is a more general term describing any downward movement, regardless of speed or volume.