he plummeted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he plummeted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something falling or declining rapidly, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in performance or mood. Example: "After the scandal, his reputation plummeted, and he lost many of his supporters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He plummeted to a tie for 38th.

The New York Times - Sports

(And he plummeted during the first one).

The New Yorker

He plummeted all the way to Pick 51 because of a knee problem.

The New York Times

He plummeted in the polls and ended September with just $350,000 in his campaign account.

The New York Times

Once thought to be a possibility for No. 1 over all, he plummeted to the 24th pick.

The New York Times - Sports

Eight years ago, Petraeus's parachute failed to open on a training jump; he plummeted sixty feet, smashing his pelvis.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

He plummets into the void.

The Guardian - Arts

As the wings fall off and he plummets to his apparent death, Tom Cruise screams "BLARRGH!", twice and identically.

The Guardian - Film

Where does all this leave Father Christmas as he plummets down that chimney of falseness every year?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

1951 A British barber, Charles Stephens – known as the Demon Barber of Bristol – is killed when he plummets in a barrel with an anvil attached to his feet.

Independent

It is only moments later, when he realizes his mistake, that he plummets down the canyon and lands in a puff of dust.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he plummeted" to describe a rapid and significant decline, either literally (falling from a height) or figuratively (in status, performance, or value). It effectively conveys a sense of suddenness and severity.

Common error

Avoid using "he plummeted" in situations where the decline is gradual or minor. The phrase implies a significant and rapid drop, so using it inappropriately can sound overly dramatic and undermine the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

"He plummeted" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a rapid and significant decline or fall. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used in both literal (physical falls) and figurative (decline in status or performance) contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"He plummeted" is a versatile phrase used to describe a rapid and significant decline, applicable in both literal and figurative contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media. While it conveys a sense of suddenness and severity, overuse in minor situations should be avoided. Alternatives include phrases like "he declined sharply" or "he dropped dramatically". The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, lending itself well to journalistic or professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he declined sharply

Emphasizes a rapid and significant decrease or fall.

he dropped dramatically

Highlights a sudden and considerable fall.

he fell rapidly

Focuses on the quick pace of the descent or decline.

he plunged downwards

Illustrates a steep and quick drop in a literal or figurative sense.

he nosedived

Suggests a sudden and uncontrolled fall, often used metaphorically.

he crashed down

Emphasizes the forceful and abrupt nature of the fall.

he descended quickly

Indicates a fast decrease or fall.

he spiraled down

Suggests a continuous decline, often out of control.

he tumbled down

Illustrates a less controlled fall, often involving rolling or haphazard movement.

he sank quickly

Implies a rapid decline, often used in the context of morale or status.

FAQs

How can I use "he plummeted" in a sentence?

Use "he plummeted" to describe a rapid and significant decline. For example, "After the scandal, "he plummeted" in the polls."

What are some alternatives to "he plummeted"?

You can use alternatives such as "he declined sharply", "he dropped dramatically", or "he fell rapidly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he plummeted" or "he plunged"?

Both "he plummeted" and "he plunged" can describe a rapid fall, but "plummeted" often implies a more uncontrolled or dramatic descent. "Plunged" can also suggest diving into something, while "plummeted" typically refers to a vertical drop.

What does it mean when someone says "he plummeted"?

When someone says "he plummeted", it means that person experienced a rapid and significant decline in some area, such as their reputation, performance, or financial status.