has gone downhill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has gone downhill" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a decline in quality, performance, or condition over time. Example: "Since the new management took over, the company's customer service has gone downhill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Everything has gone downhill.

The New York Times

Michelin-starred cooking sure has gone downhill.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But oh man, it has gone downhill.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

America has gone downhill: We have too little carcinogenic insulation.

The Washington Post

"Business has gone downhill over the past year," Zhao sighs.

The Guardian

"Our whole life has gone downhill," Ms. Burley said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It had gone downhill.

The Guardian

Some of the houses had gone downhill.

The New Yorker

Since then, things have gone downhill.

The Economist

But things have gone downhill since then.

The Guardian

Things have gone downhill since then.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has gone downhill", ensure the context is clear by specifying what exactly has declined. For example, instead of saying "The service has gone downhill", specify "The customer service has gone downhill since the new policy was implemented".

Common error

Avoid using "has gone downhill" without providing specific details about what is declining and why. Vague statements can weaken your message and confuse your audience. Be precise in what aspect has decreased in value or quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has gone downhill" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a decline or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it describes a worsening state of affairs in various contexts. This phrase often acts as a predicate, describing the subject's negative change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has gone downhill" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a decline in quality, performance, or condition. Ludwig AI analysis, shows that its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to informal register. While effective in conveying a sense of deterioration, it's best practice to provide specific context to enhance clarity and avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "has deteriorated" or "has declined" may be more appropriate for formal settings. Ensure precision and context to maximize the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has deteriorated

Focuses on the process of worsening quality or condition.

has declined

Emphasizes a decrease in quality, quantity, or importance.

has worsened

Directly states that something has become worse.

has degraded

Implies a loss of quality or integrity.

has fallen off

Suggests a drop in performance or standard.

has taken a turn for the worse

Indicates a sudden and negative change.

has slumped

Describes a sudden or significant decline.

has backslid

Implies a return to a previous, worse state.

has cheapened

Emphasizes a reduction in quality or value.

has lost its edge

Suggests a decline in effectiveness or competitiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "has gone downhill" in a sentence?

You can use "has gone downhill" to describe a decline in quality, performance, or condition. For example: "Since the new management took over, the company's customer service "has gone downhill"".

What can I say instead of "has gone downhill"?

You can use alternatives like "has deteriorated", "has declined", or "has worsened" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "has declined" or "has gone downhill"?

"Has declined" is a more formal alternative to "has gone downhill". The choice depends on the context and desired tone. "Has declined" is often preferred in professional or academic writing, while ""has gone downhill"" is suitable for informal communication.

What does it mean when something "has gone downhill"?

When something ""has gone downhill"", it means its quality, condition, or performance has deteriorated or declined over time. It suggests a negative change from a previous, better state.