move downward

USAGE SUMMARY

"move downward" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a downward motion or progress, such as when something moves down a hill or happens at a slower rate. For example, "As the temperature dropped, the snow level moved downward."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The move downward will also move some borrowers to try to refinance their mortgages.

The New York Times

An ion source within the terminal then produces positive particles that are accelerated as they move downward to ground potential through an evacuated tube.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During any period of strong warming, one or more shallower thermoclines may be observed to develop and move downward to the seasonal thermocline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, when the head is turned upward, there is a reflex tendency for the eyes to move downward, even if the eyes are shut.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Late last month, a few of the figures on the local scene did shift out of their still-picture photo mode and move downward or sideways.

The New Yorker

But if the unemployment rate continues to move downward even modestly next year, Mr. Obama and his team will be able to take some comfort from history.

The New York Times

If a country had a deficit, gold would flow out, and the consequent reduction in the domestic money supply would cause prices to move downward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After you have enough entries, you can start creating graphs; there are few things more satisfying than seeing that graph move downward as you pay off your debt.

The Guardian - Money

The fainter stars had systematically lower masses, and there was no reasonable way for stars to lose enough mass to force them to move downward on his diagram.

The New York Times - Books

Federal rules require the gate arms to begin to move downward no less than three seconds after the flashing lights begin and to be horizontal at least five seconds before the arrival of the train.

The New York Times

It found that "the housing sector continues to be depressed" and reaffirmed that employers had been reluctant to hire and that measures of underlying inflation had continued to move downward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or data, use "move downward" to indicate a decrease or reduction in value. For example, "The unemployment rate continued to move downward."

Common error

Ensure that the tense of "move downward" is consistent with the rest of your sentence. Avoid mixing past and present tenses inappropriately. For example, do not write "The prices are moved downward yesterday". Instead write: "The prices moved downward yesterday".

How to use

Learn how to use "move downward" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move downward" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of something physically descending or metaphorically decreasing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and acceptable phrase in written English. Many examples are related to science where precise description is important.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move downward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes a descent or decline. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and appears in various contexts, with a prevalence in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "descend" or "decline" exist, "move downward" specifically emphasizes the direction or motion involved. Pay close attention to maintaining consistent tense usage, and you'll be well-equipped to employ this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descend

A single word alternative indicating a downward movement.

go down

A simpler, more general term for moving to a lower position.

fall

Suggests a rapid and often uncontrolled downward movement.

drop

Implies a sudden and quick downward movement or decrease.

decline

Refers to a gradual decrease, often used in abstract contexts like declining sales.

slide down

Indicates a smooth and continuous downward movement.

sink

Suggests a downward movement into something, like water.

lower

To cause to move to a lower level or position.

plummet

Indicates a steep and rapid decline, often in a figurative sense.

gravitate downward

Describes a movement influenced by gravity towards a lower point.

FAQs

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

You can use "move downward" to describe physical movement, like "The heavy object started to move downward", or abstract declines, like "The company's profits began to move downward".

What's a good alternative to "move downward"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "descend", "decline", or "drop". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "move downward" or "go down"?

"Move downward" tends to be slightly more formal than "go down". "Move downward" is often preferred in technical or analytical writing, while "go down" is more common in everyday conversation.

When should I use "move downward" instead of "decrease"?

Use "move downward" when you want to emphasize the motion or direction of something. "Decrease" simply states a reduction in quantity or value, while "move downward" suggests a dynamic process. For instance, “The graph showed the sales figures move downward each quarter”.