go downwards

USAGE SUMMARY

"go downwards" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about physical or metaphorical descent or movement. For example: We watched the sunlight go downwards as the sun set.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Martin Harper, conservation director at the RSPB bird charity, said: "The trend for farmland birds continues to go downwards.

The Guardian

It is vital we understand that merely to decelerate the rise in concentrations, emissions rise needs to go into reverse and go downwards.

The Guardian

A gradual improvement was observed as we go downwards from the conventional cut-off score of HSCL-10.

BMC Psychiatry

Tilt forward or down to go downwards, and backwards or up to go upwards.

WikiHow

Lay your jersey flat on a tabletop, and fold the sleeves over so that they go downwards.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Balance another pencil on top of that, along the line going downwards.

Independent

"I think sometimes you get too complicated on these things and I think it's sometimes wise to step back from it and say: 'Well global warming is going upwards and sea ice extent is going downwards.

The Guardian

But, following Saturday's 67-3 victoveroveRomaniaia, Tindall said: "Our off-the-field antics are going downwards.

BBC

The panel will redirect the excessive direct light upwards and reduce the light from going downwards in hot climate desert areas with high solar altitudes in the summer.

Solar Energy

It's on what's called a tectonic escalator, going downwards because that's what the crust is doing, and because it's being loaded by all the sand and mud being washed off from the Mississippi River.

Science Magazine

First, is foam injection (a slanting vertical line up to 160 mm height), the second period is the retention (horizontal line going downwards slowly parallel to the x-axis) up to the foam height of 150 mm and drop line (the line drops quickly to the x-axis).

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go downwards" when you want to emphasize the process or act of moving in a downward direction, whether literally or figuratively. For example, "The trend for farmland birds continues to go downwards."

Common error

Be mindful of using "go downwards" when a simpler verb like "descend" or "decline" might be more concise and effective. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound less polished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go downwards" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating movement or direction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a physical or metaphorical descent. Examples show its use in describing physical actions (tilting downwards) and abstract trends (economic decline).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go downwards" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a physical or metaphorical movement in a downward direction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's found in various contexts, ranging from instructional guides to news reports, though it's not particularly common. While acceptable, more concise alternatives like "descend" or "decline" might be preferable in formal writing. The phrase appears most frequently in WikiHow articles, News & Media, and Scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move downwards

Replaces the verb "go" with a more descriptive phrase.

descend

A more formal and concise way to express moving downwards.

trend downwards

Highlights a directional pattern of decreasing value or quantity.

decline

Implies a gradual decrease or reduction, often in a metaphorical sense.

fall

Suggests a sudden or rapid drop.

drop

Similar to fall, but can also refer to a deliberate lowering.

sink

Implies a slow and steady descent, often into a liquid or soft substance.

gravitate downwards

Adds a sense of inevitability or natural tendency to the downward movement.

plummet

Suggests a very rapid and steep fall.

go lower

A more literal and less idiomatic alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "go downwards" to describe a physical movement, such as "Tilt forward or down to go downwards", or a metaphorical decline, as in "The trend continues to go downwards."

What are some alternatives to "go downwards"?

Alternatives to "go downwards" include "descend", "decline", "fall", and "drop". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "go downwards" too informal for academic writing?

While "go downwards" is understandable, more formal options like "descend" or "decline" are generally preferred in academic writing for their conciseness and professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "go downwards" instead of "descend"?

Use "go downwards" when you want to emphasize the action or process of moving downwards. "Descend" is a more direct synonym, while "go downwards" can add a slight emphasis on the continuous nature of the action. For example: the stock market is "trending downwards".