go downhill

USAGE SUMMARY

"Go downhill" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean to become worse or to decline. For example: "Sales at the store began to go downhill after the new competitor opened up shop down the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can only go downhill".

The Guardian - Film

"It can only go downhill, right?

The New York Times - Sports

After that, though, things go downhill.

The Economist

Things go downhill, way downhill, from there.

The New Yorker

Travis would hit it and go downhill.

The New York Times - Sports

After that, everything seemed to go downhill.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It can only go downhill from here".

The New York Times - Magazine

I was ready to go downhill.

The New York Times

And things go downhill from there!

The Guardian - Books

Things basically go downhill from there.

The Guardian - Books

"The minute you settle, you go downhill".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go downhill" when you want to describe a process or situation that is progressively worsening. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "go downhill" in contexts where a literal downward movement is intended, unless you are also implying a figurative decline. For literal movement, use "descend" or "move downwards".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "go downhill" is as a verb phrase. It typically functions as the main verb in a clause, indicating a process of decline or deterioration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go downhill" is a common and acceptable way to describe a decline or worsening of a situation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While versatile, more formal synonyms like "deteriorate" or "decline" may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. Remember, while the phrase is widely understood, avoid confusing it with literal downward movement. Use it when you want to clearly and concisely express that something is progressively getting worse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorate

Focuses on the process of becoming worse, especially in quality or condition.

decline

Suggests a gradual decrease or weakening.

worsen

Implies a change for the worse, often in a more general sense.

degenerate

Indicates a decline in quality, often with moral or cultural implications.

fall apart

Suggests a breakdown or collapse, either literally or figuratively.

go to pot

An informal idiom meaning to decline in quality or effectiveness.

go to the dogs

Similar to "go to pot", suggesting a state of ruin or decay.

take a turn for the worse

Implies a sudden and negative change in condition.

hit the skids

Suggests a rapid and uncontrolled decline.

slump

Implies a sudden or marked decline in activity or performance.

FAQs

What does "go downhill" mean?

The phrase "go downhill" means to decline in quality, health, or condition; to worsen or deteriorate. It implies a negative progression from a better state.

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

You can use "go downhill" to describe various situations. For instance, "The company's profits started to "decline" after the new management took over, things began to "go downhill" quickly".

What are some synonyms for "go downhill"?

Some synonyms for "go downhill" include "deteriorate", "decline", "worsen", and "degenerate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "go downhill" in formal writing?

While "go downhill" is widely understood, in formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives such as "deteriorate" or "decline" to convey a similar meaning with greater formality.