he slid down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he slid down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of someone moving downward, typically in a smooth or controlled manner. Example: "He slid down the banister with a grin on his face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

He slid down and stared at me.

The Guardian - Books

He slid down off the seat and turned back toward me.

The New Yorker

And he slid down off the couch and, first, Buck warmed his right hand between my knees.

The New Yorker

Reading between the lines, Josh creates a narrative of a slippery slope — the porn, the porn addiction, the unfaithfulness — which he slid down as though hypnotized.

The New Yorker

Oliver is projected to be a top 10 pick in next year's draft, though he slid down from No. 2 to No. 7 on Mel Kiper's latest Big Board, which came out Wednesday.

The Washington Post

One day, he slid down an entire flight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

With his back against the wall, he slides down to a seated position next to Mira (see Fig. 3).

Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy

Promotional material for his documentary Ice Breaker claimed he "slides down hillsides with penguins, almost rubs noses with the notoriously dangerous leopard seals and spends the most inspiring time with two friendly humpback whales".

BBC

He slides down off his parents' bed with his hands outstretched and plants his hands on the floor.

HuffPost

He slides down in his seat, letting out a rapid-fire giggle, his shirt pocket bulging with pens, a phone and a half-smoked cigar.

Los Angeles Times

As she slid down, he slid with her and just held her".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he slid down" to vividly describe a smooth, controlled descent, whether literal or figurative, adding a sense of momentum to your writing.

Common error

While "he slid down" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid it in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise term like "descended" or "lowered himself" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he slid down" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating a physical action of moving downwards in a smooth or uncontrolled manner. Ludwig examples show its use in describing both literal and figurative descents, like sliding down a banister or in rankings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he slid down" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes a downward movement. Ludwig AI indicates that it is applicable in various scenarios, from literal descents to figurative declines. While versatile, it's best to consider the context and register, opting for more precise language in formal settings. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this phrase offers a vivid way to depict motion in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he slipped down

Suggests a less controlled descent, implying a loss of balance or footing.

he glided down

Conveys a smooth and effortless downward movement.

he descended

Emphasizes a controlled downward movement, often from a higher position.

he coasted down

Similar to 'glided down', but may imply a longer or more sustained movement.

he slumped down

Indicates a downward movement accompanied by a loss of energy or posture.

he dropped down

Implies a quick and often unintentional downward movement.

he sank down

Suggests a slow and gradual downward movement, often into something.

he lowered himself

Highlights the active role of the subject in moving downwards.

he cascaded down

Describes a rapid and abundant downward flow, like a waterfall.

he gravitated down

Suggests a natural or inevitable downward movement, as if influenced by gravity.

FAQs

How can I use "he slid down" in a sentence?

You can use "he slid down" to describe a literal downward movement, like "He slid down the banister." It can also describe a figurative decline, like "He slid down the rankings."

What's the difference between "he slid down" and "he slipped down"?

"He slid down" implies a more controlled descent, whereas "he slipped down" suggests a loss of control or balance during the descent.

What are some alternatives to "he slid down"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "he descended", "he lowered himself", or "he sank down".

Is "he slid down" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "he slid down" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise language depending on the specific situation.