is down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not functioning or is in a state of decline. Example: "The server is down, and we cannot access the website at the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My window is down.

The Economist

Growth is down.

The Economist

Leverage is down.

The New York Times

The crime is down.

The New York Times

Consumption is down.

The New York Times

Ethnic killing is down.

The Economist

Everybody's morale is down".

The New York Times

Up is down.

The New York Times

Child poverty is down.

Independent

Violent crime is down.

The Economist

Traffic is down too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is down", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not functioning or has decreased. For instance, "The system is down" clarifies the system's operational status.

Common error

Avoid using "is down" when a more precise term would better convey the situation. For example, instead of "morale is down", consider specifying "morale has decreased due to recent layoffs" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is down" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that something is in a non-operational state, has decreased in value, or is experiencing a decline. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is down" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a state of being inoperable, decreased, or depressed. Ludwig confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's essential to ensure the context clearly specifies what exactly "is down" to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, a more precise term might sometimes be preferable for clarity. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication scenarios, predominantly appearing in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not working

Indicates a state of non-functionality; replaces "down" with a more explicit term.

is out of service

Specifies that a service or system is temporarily unavailable.

is inoperable

Highlights a more permanent or severe state of being unable to operate.

has decreased

Focuses on the reduction in quantity or level, applicable in numerical contexts.

has declined

Suggests a gradual reduction or deterioration over time.

is diminished

Emphasizes a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

is reduced

Simply states that something has been made smaller or less.

is deflated

Implies a loss of confidence or spirit, or a literal reduction in pressure.

is depressed

Specifically indicates a state of low spirits or economic downturn.

is malfunctioning

Specifies a problem in the correct function of a device or system.

FAQs

How can I use "is down" in a sentence?

You can use "is down" to indicate that something is not functioning, has decreased, or is in a state of low spirits. For example: "The website is down", "Sales are down this quarter", or "He is feeling down today".

What can I say instead of "is down"?

Alternatives to "is down" include "is not working", "has decreased", or "is out of service", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is down" or "is downed"?

The correct phrase depends on the intended meaning. "Is down" indicates a current state of being inoperable or reduced, while "is downed" usually refers to something being brought down, like "The tree is downed by the storm".

What's the difference between "is down" and "is depressing"?

"Is down" refers to a temporary state of being inoperable, reduced, or sad, while "is depressing" describes something that causes sadness. For example, "The economy is down" versus "The news is depressing".