go down in history

USAGE SUMMARY

'go down in history' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is remembered for a long time, especially when it is remembered as an example of something negative or something impressive or remarkable. For example, "The scandal surrounding his sudden resignation will go down in history as one of the biggest political disasters of all time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Go down in history as the male human who strangled the world's first talking chimpanzee.

The New Yorker

"He'll go down in history.

The Guardian - Sport

"They will go down in history.

The New York Times - Magazine

This song will go down in history.

The Guardian - Music

He knows he will go down in history.

The New Yorker

"The step Mrs Merkel took will go down in history.

Independent

The cruelty of this treatment will go down in history.

The Guardian - Opinion

How I go down in history, time has to decide".

The Guardian - Sport

Watch the Seattle Kingdome go down in history.

The New York Times - Tech

"It is definitely going to go down in history.

The New York Times - Sports

"Texts," Entwistle commented, "to go down in history".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go down in history" to emphasize the long-term impact or remembrance of an event, person, or achievement. For example, "This discovery will "go down in history" as a turning point in medicine."

Common error

Avoid using "go down in history" for events that are merely newsworthy but lack lasting historical significance. The phrase implies enduring impact and importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go down in history" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that someone or something will be remembered or regarded in historical accounts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used for both positive and negative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go down in history" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone or something will be remembered for a long time due to its significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and can be used in both positive and negative contexts. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as academic settings, and carries a neutral to formal tone. While there are many similar phrases, such as "be remembered in history" and "be recorded for posterity", "go down in history" uniquely captures the idea of being historically recognized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become a part of history

Highlights the integration of an event or person into the broader historical narrative.

be remembered in history

Focuses directly on the act of being remembered, omitting the 'descent' metaphor.

be etched in history

Suggests a permanent and indelible mark on historical records, emphasizing significance.

be recorded for posterity

Highlights the act of recording information for future generations, emphasizing preservation.

secure a place in history

Emphasizes the effort and achievement required to be historically significant.

enter the annals of history

Emphasizes entering official historical records or chronicles, suggesting formal documentation.

achieve historical significance

Highlights the attainment of importance from a historical perspective, focusing on the impact.

leave a lasting legacy

Focuses on the impact or consequence that ensures remembrance, rather than the act of being recorded.

stand the test of time

Implies that something will remain relevant and important throughout history.

gain immortal fame

Highlights achieving lasting recognition and renown, focusing on the enduring nature of the fame.

FAQs

How can I use "go down in history" in a sentence?

Use "go down in history" to describe something that is likely to be remembered for a long time because of its importance or impact. For example, "The invention of the internet will "go down in history" as a major technological advancement."

What's a more formal way to say "go down in history"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "be recorded for posterity" or "enter the annals of history", which emphasize documentation and long-term preservation.

Is it correct to say "goes down in history"?

Yes, "goes down in history" is correct when referring to a singular subject in the present tense. For example, "This event "goes down in history" as a landmark achievement."

What's the difference between "go down in history" and "make history"?

"Go down in history" refers to being remembered by history, while "make history" implies actively creating significant events that will be remembered. "To make history" suggests agency, whereas "go down in history" is more passive.