flying down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flying down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of descending quickly through the air, often in a dramatic or exciting context. Example: "The bird was flying down from the tree to catch its prey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And we saw cops flying down the block".

The New York Times

We were flying down to Miami years ago.

The New York Times

They would all be flying down to Tampa on Monday.

The New Yorker

Thunder was fast, and we were flying down the trails.

The New York Times

Suddenly I was flying down a perfect righthander.

The New York Times - Travel

"A couple of bodies came down, flying down, just in front of our guys.

The New York Times

Madeleine and I clattered and screamed, flying down the stairs two or three at a time.

The New Yorker

Just when Mr. Montgomery looked, he saw a big branch come flying down at Mrs. Segal.

The New York Times

"I felt like I was free, like I was flying down the mountain.

The New York Times

Here, "I went to sleep with ambulances flying down Seventh Avenue.

The New York Times

One nightmare scenario is a vehicle that malfunctions and becomes, in effect, an unguided missile flying down the highway.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flying down" to vividly describe movement that combines speed and descent, particularly when conveying excitement, urgency, or a sense of freedom. For example, "The skiers were flying down the slopes."

Common error

Avoid using "flying down" when the context requires a more controlled or gradual descent. Reserve the phrase for situations where the speed is a key characteristic of the movement, as overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flying down" functions as a verb phrase describing a rapid downward movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid English expression. The examples show its use to depict various scenarios, from physical descents to metaphorical representations of speed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flying down" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that vividly describes a rapid descent. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While generally neutral, it can lean towards informal depending on the specific use case. When selecting alternatives, consider the nuance you wish to convey, whether it's control ("gliding down") or potential danger ("plummeting downwards").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descending rapidly

This alternative focuses on the speed of the descent, suitable for technical or descriptive contexts.

plummeting downwards

Implies a steep and rapid drop, often with a sense of danger or loss of control.

dropping quickly

A simpler alternative that focuses on the quickness of the downward movement.

swooping down

Suggests a smooth, curved descent, often used for birds or aircraft.

diving down

Commonly used when something is going headfirst or steeply downwards.

rushing down

Conveys speed and urgency in the descent, applicable to water or people.

spiraling downward

Describes a rotating descent, emphasizing the circular motion.

gliding down

Implies a smooth and controlled descent, often without power.

tumbling down

Indicates a chaotic and uncontrolled fall, often involving rotation.

cascading down

Suggests a descent like a waterfall, emphasizing the flow and abundance.

FAQs

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

Use "flying down" to describe a rapid descent, often suggesting excitement or lack of control. For example, "The kids were "flying down the hill" on their sleds."

What are some alternatives to "flying down"?

Alternatives include "descending rapidly", "plummeting downwards", or "swooping down", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flying down" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "flying down" leans towards a more informal or descriptive tone. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "descending rapidly" or "dropping quickly" for a more neutral expression.

What's the difference between "flying down" and "gliding down"?

"Flying down" emphasizes speed and sometimes a lack of control, while "gliding down" suggests a smoother, more controlled descent, often without the use of power.