has stepped down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has stepped down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has resigned or left a position of authority or responsibility. Example: "After years of dedicated service, the CEO has stepped down to pursue other opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Father Fugee has stepped down from ministry.

The New York Times

Peter Hain has stepped down as shadow Welsh secretary.

The Guardian

Sinodinos has stepped down as federal assistant treasurer while Icac investigates.

The Guardian

He has stepped down as federal assistant treasurer during the investigation.

The Guardian

Chris Williamson, the only vegan bricklayer in Parliament, has stepped down as junior local government spokesman.

Independent

Mr Lay has stepped down as chairman and chief executive, though he remains on the board.

The Economist

William Lynch has stepped down from his position as CEO of the struggling Barnes & Noble.

The New Yorker

Mr. Rippon has stepped down from his post pending the results of the inquiry.

The New York Times

A Ukip regional chairman has stepped down over alleged racist comments made on Facebook.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Other executives have stepped down following the trading losses.

The New York Times

(He had stepped down as CEO when Mr Schmidt arrived).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "has stepped down" with a brief explanation for clarity, such as "due to health reasons" or "to pursue other opportunities".

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear who or what "has stepped down". Avoid using the phrase in situations where the subject is unclear or implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has stepped down" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of resigning or leaving a position. It is often used to report news or announce changes in leadership, as shown by Ludwig in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has stepped down" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that someone has left a position, typically a formal one. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used in news and media contexts to report on resignations or departures from leadership roles. While it is generally neutral in tone, its prevalence in business and news suggests a slightly professional register. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject is clear and provide context if necessary. Alternatives like "has resigned" or "has left the position" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has resigned

Indicates a formal and voluntary departure from a position.

has left the position

A general way to express that someone is no longer in a role.

has relinquished their post

A more formal and emphatic way of saying someone has given up their position.

has vacated their role

Similar to 'left the position' but may imply a more sudden or unplanned departure.

has retired from

Specifies that the departure is due to retirement.

has moved on from

Suggests the person is leaving to pursue other opportunities.

has departed from

A more formal and general way of saying someone has left.

is no longer in charge

Emphasizes that the person's authority has ended.

has yielded the position

Implies a formal or perhaps reluctant departure.

has transitioned out of

Suggests a gradual or planned departure.

FAQs

What does "has stepped down" mean?

The phrase "has stepped down" means that someone has resigned or left a position of authority or responsibility, often voluntarily.

What can I say instead of "has stepped down"?

You can use alternatives like "has resigned", "has left the position", or "has relinquished their post" depending on the context.

Is "has stepped down" formal or informal?

The phrase "has stepped down" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in news and business reporting.

How to use "has stepped down" in a sentence?

You can use "has stepped down" in a sentence like: "The CEO "has stepped down" after ten years of service".