move down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone or something moving in a downward direction. For example, "The elevator moved down quickly to the basement floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Move down?

The New York Times - Sports

Just move down".

The New Yorker

New cup! Move down!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's move down to Georgia.

The New York Times

Some move down.

The New York Times

People see you move down.

The New York Times - Sports

And now you move down the line.

Cornell University

They go down as you move down.

Yale University

She watched him move down the garden.

The Guardian - Books

"Move down to the holler," he said.

The New York Times

The bullet constantly moves up while the walls move down.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move down" when describing physical movement in a downward direction or a shift to a lower level, whether literal or figurative. For example, "Move down the aisle" or "The price moved down after the sale."

Common error

Avoid using "move down" when the intended meaning is to resign or relinquish a position. In such cases, use the phrase "step down" instead. For example, say "The CEO stepped down" not "The CEO moved down."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a physical shift to a lower position or a figurative transition to a lesser state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showcasing its utility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move down" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe downward movement or a shift to a lower state. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. Its neutral register and frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic papers highlight its broad applicability. When using "move down", remember to consider the intended meaning and avoid confusion with similar phrases like "step down", which implies resignation. Understanding these nuances will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go down

A simpler and more general way to express downward movement.

descend

A more formal and direct synonym, implying a controlled downward movement.

drop down

Implies a quick or sudden downward movement.

lower oneself

Suggests a deliberate act of physically moving to a lower position.

shift downward

Indicates a change in position towards a lower level.

sink

Implies a gradual or forceful descent into something.

step down

Often refers to resigning from a higher position.

progress downwards

Indicates continuous movement in a downward direction.

relocate below

Implies a change of physical location to a lower place.

gravitate toward

Suggests a natural movement or attraction to a lower position or state.

FAQs

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

You can use "move down" to describe physical movement, such as "move down the hall", or figurative shifts, like "move down the list".

What are some alternatives to "move down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "descend", "go down", or "lower".

Is it correct to say "moved down" or "move downwards"?

"Moved down" is the past tense of "move down" and is correct. "Move downwards" is also correct but less common; "move down" is generally preferred.

When should I use "move down" versus "fall"?

Use "move down" when the action is controlled or directed. Use "fall" when describing an uncontrolled or accidental descent. For instance, "move down the stairs" implies intention, while "fall down the stairs" implies an accident.