go downhill fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go downhill fast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is rapidly deteriorating or worsening. Example: "After the initial success of the project, things began to go downhill fast when the budget cuts were announced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"He was starting to go downhill fast," Ms. Anderson said.

The New York Times

As food choices become more limited, good nutrition and, eventually, overall health can go downhill fast.

Harvard University

Bradley smiled, recalling how some traditional soccer powers can go downhill fast.

The New York Times - Sports

We've lost touch with them and when that happens kids can go downhill, fast.

The Guardian - Opinion

He did hit the big 4-0, and things go downhill fast".

The New York Times

And they are heavily exposed to commercial property, an asset class that continues to go downhill fast.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Things went downhill fast.

The Guardian - Books

Tessa went downhill fast.

The New Yorker

He was going downhill fast.

The Guardian

Then their morality goes downhill fast.

The New York Times

The movie starts out strong but goes downhill fast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go downhill fast", ensure the context clearly indicates what is declining rapidly. For example, specify whether it's health, performance, or a relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "go downhill fast" to describe gradual, long-term declines. This phrase is best suited for situations experiencing a rapid and noticeable deterioration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go downhill fast" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes a situation or process that is quickly deteriorating. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing various examples of the phrase in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go downhill fast" is a common idiomatic verb phrase used to describe a situation or process that's rapidly deteriorating. Ludwig AI analysis highlights its prevalence in News & Media, Academia and Wiki contexts. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's essential to consider the formality of your writing, opting for alternatives like "decline rapidly" in more formal settings. When using "go downhill fast", clarity is key: make sure to specify what exactly is declining to avoid ambiguity. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of urgency and concern about a swift downturn.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorate rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and severity of the decline, focusing on the process of worsening.

decline sharply

Highlights the steepness of the decline, suggesting a significant and noticeable downturn.

fall apart quickly

Suggests a breakdown or disintegration, stressing the suddenness of the failure.

go to pot rapidly

An informal expression indicating a swift decline into poor condition or neglect.

nosedive

Emphasizes a sudden and rapid descent, often used in a metaphorical sense for situations or conditions.

crash and burn

Implies a complete and spectacular failure, highlighting the dramatic nature of the decline.

descend quickly

A more literal alternative that focuses on the rapid downward movement.

plummet

Highlights a steep and sudden drop, often used for numerical values or abstract concepts.

degenerate rapidly

Focuses on the degradation of quality or condition, emphasizing the speed of the decline.

slip into decline

Highlights the gradual and often unnoticed beginning of a negative trajectory, while retaining the 'fast' element in its implication.

FAQs

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

You can use "go downhill fast" to describe a situation that is rapidly deteriorating. For example, "After the initial success, the project started to "go downhill fast" due to budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to "go downhill fast"?

Alternatives include "deteriorate rapidly", "decline sharply", or "fall apart quickly", depending on the specific context.

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

While "go downhill fast" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "decline rapidly" or "deteriorate quickly".

What kind of situations is "go downhill fast" best used to describe?

"Go downhill fast" is best used to describe situations or processes that experience a sudden and noticeable decline or deterioration in a relatively short period. It emphasizes the speed and severity of the downturn.