it drags down

USAGE SUMMARY

"it drags down" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that negatively affects or lowers the quality, value, or mood of something else. For example: "The constant negativity in the team meetings really drags down the overall morale." Alternative expressions include "it pulls down" and "it lowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

So long as it is empty, it drags down the value of the surrounding properties, grumbles one, a retired car worker.

The Economist

"If the Irish economy goes down, it drags down Britain and large numbers of jobs are at stake … so we have a national interest in supporting Ireland through this crisis," he told Reuters in an interview from Russia.

The Guardian - Business

With his own re-election chances directly tied to the European economic crisis as it drags down growth in the United States, Mr. Obama desperately wants Ms. Merkel to loosen the reins on spending and the austerity programs that have been imposed on Greece and the other struggling euro zone economies.

The New York Times

It drags down the mood.

The Guardian - Sport

It drags down the poor sentences forced to wear it.

The New York Times - Books

"It drags down the entire block, and everyone gets the calls, 'Why can't you do anything about....' It becomes a battle until it's sold".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

If China implodes, could it drag down the global economy with it?

The Guardian - Opinion

PAGE 1 When the mortgage market imploded, it dragged down with it thousands of distraught homeowners, Bear Stearns -- even Ed McMahon.

The New York Times

"But right after that, in '87, the stock market crashed," he added, "and it dragged down real estate in the '90's".

The New York Times

"You need people like Woody Guthrie who really loved their country and refused to have it dragged down into the mud by people like Donald Trump," he asserts.

The Guardian - Music

That is the largest single-day drop in nearly two decades, and it dragged down a German market already badly rattled by the financial turmoil in the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it drags down", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is causing the negative impact. Clarity enhances the sentence's effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "it drags down" in sentences where the subject is ambiguous or unclear. This can weaken your writing and confuse the reader. Be specific about what is causing the negative effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it drags down" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It's used to express that a particular subject has a negative impact, reducing the value, quality, or overall condition of something else. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it drags down" is a useful expression to convey a negative impact. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and most commonly used in news and media to describe how one thing reduces the quality, value, or mood of another. While "it drags down" is versatile, alternative phrases like "it diminishes" or "it undermines" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. When writing, ensure the subject is clear to avoid ambiguity. Overall, while not overly formal, "it drags down" is a functional phrase for expressing negative causation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it pulls down

Similar in meaning, but with a stronger sense of force or effort in the reduction.

it diminishes

Focuses on the act of lessening or reducing something.

it undermines

Highlights the weakening or destabilizing effect on something.

it cheapens

Emphasizes the reduction in perceived value or quality.

it devalues

Specifically targets the loss of monetary or symbolic worth.

it lessens

Indicates a decrease in importance, quality, or quantity.

it hampers

Highlights the hindering or impeding effect on progress or success.

it deteriorates

Suggests a gradual decline in condition or quality.

it weighs down

Implies a burdening effect that slows progress or enjoyment.

it negatively impacts

A more formal way of stating a harmful effect.

FAQs

How can I use "it drags down" in a sentence?

Use "it drags down" to describe how one thing negatively affects or lowers the quality, value, or mood of something else. For instance, "The outdated equipment drags down the team's productivity".

What are some alternatives to "it drags down"?

You can use alternatives like "it diminishes", "it undermines", or "it cheapens" depending on the specific context.

Is "it pulls down" similar in meaning to "it drags down"?

Yes, "it pulls down" is very similar to "it drags down", conveying a sense of something being forcibly brought down or negatively affected.

Which is a more formal alternative to "it drags down"?

A more formal alternative would be "it negatively impacts", which conveys a similar meaning in a more professional or academic context.