it went downhill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it went downhill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something has become less successful or worse, for example: After the first few weeks of the project went smoothly, it went downhill from there.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"It went downhill quickly".

The New York Times - Sports

Sadly it went downhill.

Independent

It went downhill from there".

The New York Times

"It went downhill for me after that".

The New York Times - Sports

"But when he died and they sold it, it went downhill.

The New York Times

When it became permanent housing for the poor, it went downhill.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

And it goes downhill from there.

The Guardian - Books

And it goes downhill from here.

The Guardian

All I can see is it going downhill.

The New York Times - Sports

Some local residents say the Parks Department has let it go downhill.

The New York Times

The first season of every Ryan Murphy show is amazing, until it goes downhill quickly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it went downhill", ensure the context is clear about what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

While "it went downhill" is widely understood, it can sound too informal for academic or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "deteriorated" or "declined" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it went downhill" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a decline or deterioration in a situation, process, or quality after a specific point. Ludwig examples show diverse applications, from sports to personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it went downhill" is a common and widely understood idiomatic expression used to describe a decline or deterioration after a specific point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to use more formal synonyms like "deteriorated" or "declined" in academic or professional writing. Remember to provide clear context to what "it" refers to, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing. Considering alternative expressions can enrich your vocabulary and allow more nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it deteriorated

This alternative directly indicates a decline in quality or condition.

it declined

Similar to "deteriorated", this term emphasizes a gradual decrease in quality or performance.

it spiraled downward

This phrase suggests a rapid and uncontrolled descent or decline.

it took a turn for the worse

This idiom indicates a change from good to bad, emphasizing a negative shift.

it went south

A more informal idiom meaning something went wrong or failed.

it fell apart

This suggests that something disintegrated or failed to function properly.

it crumbled

Similar to "fell apart", but may imply a more gradual and less sudden decline.

it tanked

This term implies a sudden and significant drop, often used in financial contexts.

it bottomed out

This indicates reaching the lowest point after a decline.

it backslid

Suggests a return to a worse condition after some improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "it went downhill" in a sentence?

You can use "it went downhill" to describe a decline after a specific point. For example, "The project started strong, but "it went downhill" after the budget cuts".

What's a more formal alternative to "it went downhill"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it deteriorated", "it declined", or "it took a turn for the worse".

Is "it went downhill" appropriate for professional writing?

While understandable, "it went downhill" leans towards informal. For professional writing, choose a more formal option to maintain a polished tone.

What does "it went downhill from there" mean?

"It went downhill from there" means that after a certain event, things started to worsen or decline. The phrase implies a negative trajectory following an initial point.