further downhill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "further downhill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or situation that is at a lower elevation or in a more negative state than something else. Example: "As we continued our hike, we noticed that the trail went further downhill, making it more challenging to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The Ukraine crisis pushed the relationship further downhill.

Independent

Things go further downhill in Ivory Coast, where they eat cats too.

The Guardian - Books

Further downhill, Renee Policastro is inspecting one of the larger pools to persist after the storm.

The New Yorker

And then the ultimate party pooper, the hunter Gracchus, condemned neither to death nor life, pops up from behind the bar and pours a large glass of self-pity, sending the whole thing further downhill.

The Guardian - Music

Such an instability is caused by the presence of a "retrograde" or downward-sloping seabed beneath the glacier, which means that warm water can continually get beneath the ice sheet as the grounding line retreats further and further downhill.

Independent

The White House had set out to keep relations from sliding even further downhill, and to establish a more personal relationship with Mr. Hu that could sustain ties during the next two years, when the political realities of choosing leaders in both countries will work against any significant improvement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Screenplay No. 2: He will get trapped in grueling financial warfare with his Democratic counterparts and California will go downhill even further.

The New York Times

This is the start of Jerusalem's covered souks, stepped downhill – the further down you go, the less touristy it becomes.

Independent

Moving the tunnel exit downhill and further west would reduce the light and noise impact, but affect a cemetery of well-preserved burial mounds – which would be spared by the pig-field option, south of the current road line.

The Guardian

In the next 24 hours there would be many further rewards: the 40km downhill rush towards Punakha, a squiggly line of hairpin bends; exploring the lush valley and tiny villages beyond; a visit to the grand courtyards of Punakha Dzong, the temple at the confluence of two great rivers where the king celebrated his marriage just two months ago.

Independent

With some further tinkering, it should be downhill all the way.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual worsening of a situation, use "further downhill" to emphasize the continuous decline. For instance, "After the initial setbacks, the project went further downhill, leading to its eventual cancellation."

Common error

Avoid using "further downhill" when a neutral description of downward movement is intended. The phrase typically carries a negative connotation, implying a decline or worsening condition. Use a more neutral phrase like "descending further" if the context doesn't warrant a negative tone.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase. "Further downhill" functions to modify a verb, indicating the direction or extent of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. For instance, 'Things went "further downhill"' demonstrates this modifying role, showing how a situation deteriorated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "further downhill" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that carries a negative connotation, indicating a worsening condition or decline. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, highlighting its prevalence in contexts like News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, be mindful of its evaluative aspect, and ensure it aligns with the intended tone. While alternatives exist, they may not fully capture the specific sense of progressive decline conveyed by "further downhill". Remember to avoid using this phrase when a neutral description is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descending further

Focuses on the act of descending without explicitly stating a negative connotation.

declining more

Emphasizes a decline in a figurative sense, such as in quality or status.

slipping further

Suggests a gradual and unwanted decline.

deteriorating further

Highlights the worsening of a condition or situation.

progressing downward

More neutral, simply indicating movement to a lower point.

falling further

Similar to "slipping further", but can imply a more rapid descent.

heading downward

Indicates a direction of travel toward a lower point.

moving downward

A general term for moving to a lower position.

trending downward

Implies a consistent pattern of decline or descent.

spiraling downward

Suggests a rapid and uncontrolled decline.

FAQs

How can I use "further downhill" in a sentence?

The phrase "further downhill" is used to describe a situation that is worsening or declining. For example, "After the initial problems, the company's performance went "further downhill"."

What's a good alternative to "further downhill"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "descending further", "declining more", or "deteriorating further".

Does "further downhill" always imply a negative situation?

Yes, "further downhill" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a decline or worsening condition. If you need a neutral description of downward movement, consider using a different phrase.

Is it grammatically correct to say "further downhill"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms that "further downhill" is usable in written English and can effectively describe a deteriorating situation or a physical descent.