he stepped down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he stepped down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone resigning from a position or role, often in a formal context. Example: "After years of dedicated service, he stepped down as the CEO of the company to pursue other interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He stepped down in 2005.

The Economist

Has he stepped down?

The Guardian

He stepped down as president in 2010.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 2013 he stepped down as chairman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He stepped down in '98.

The New York Times

He stepped down in 2009.

The Guardian

He stepped down in May.

The New York Times

Goldman says he stepped down in early 2010.

The New York Times

He stepped down as physician-in-chief.

The New York Times

He stepped down from his duties to fight the case.

The Economist

He stepped down as prime minister in June 2010.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "he resigned" or "he left his post" for variety and to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey about the departure.

Common error

Avoid using "he stepped down" in very casual or informal conversations. It can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday speech. Opt for simpler alternatives like "he quit" or "he left" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he stepped down" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of resigning or leaving a position, typically one of authority or responsibility. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he stepped down" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that someone has voluntarily left a position, typically one of authority. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for formal announcements and news reports, fitting within a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "he resigned" or "he left his post" exist, "he stepped down" carries a specific connotation of formality and deliberate action. It's essential to consider the context to determine the most appropriate phrase, avoiding its overuse in casual settings. With primary usage in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science the expression fits formal contexts, making it less suitable for informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he resigned

Focuses on the formal act of leaving a position.

he left his post

Emphasizes the position that was vacated.

he relinquished his role

Highlights the act of giving up responsibility.

he vacated his office

Focuses on the physical space of the office being left.

he ceded control

Stresses the transfer of power or authority.

he concluded his tenure

Highlights the end of a period of service.

he ended his term

Similar to concluding tenure, but more specific to elected or appointed positions.

he retired

Suggests leaving a position due to age or health.

he was removed from office

Indicates an involuntary departure.

he passed the baton

Implies a smooth transition and handover of responsibilities.

FAQs

What does "he stepped down" mean?

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

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

You can use alternatives like "he resigned", "he left his post", or "he relinquished his role" depending on the context.

Is "he stepped down" formal or informal?

"He stepped down" is generally considered a formal way of saying someone left a position. It's appropriate for official announcements and news reports, but might sound out of place in casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "he stepped down"?

It's appropriate to use "he stepped down" when referring to someone's voluntary departure from a formal role or position, especially when you want to convey a sense of respect or formality about the situation. Reserve it for contexts where the person's title or role matters.