nibble down

USAGE SUMMARY

No, the phrase 'nibble down' is not correct and usable in written English. However, the phrase 'nibble away' is correct and usable. For example: "He nibbled away at the sandwich, enjoying the delicious flavors."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will visitors really pay to see dying elk and meadows nibbled down to the roots?

The Economist

In short, recognize when a client is trying to nibble you down to get more for less - and be ready to negotiate for more.

Huffington Post

All the shrubs around the ranch are nibbled down to chin height.

The New York Times - Food

Tim Guest, 40, from London, tucked into the same mealworms that made Stan vomit, but he was able to keep the "slightly slimy" nibbles down.

Independent

"Gradually, NASA nibbled down the budget until it turned out we could only afford to fund the educational side of the game," he said.

The Washington Post

French European record-holder Christophe Lemaitre has done very well, gradually nibbling down his personal best to 9.92 seconds and his example is one that Gemili may want to follow.

BBC

The tender tomato shoots were nibbled down to nubs.

Los Angeles Times

They swoop down, nibble off the stalks and fly back to the trees, where they nod off for hours, sometimes even falling to their deaths.

Huffington Post

Eventually, though, she finds a way to nibble herself down to nine inches, and enters a little house where she finds the Duchess, her baby, the Cook and the Cheshire Cat. 1 2 Next Page » Melanie Bayley is a doctoral candidate in English literature at Oxford.

The New York Times

The mystery is that there is very little to nibble on down there.

Science Magazine

"Nibbles and wolfs down very fast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and grammatically accepted alternatives like "nibble away at" or "whittle down" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "nibble down" when you intend to convey gradual reduction or consumption. Instead, opt for established phrases like "nibble away at" or "whittle down" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nibble down" is intended to act as a phrasal verb, suggesting a gradual reduction or consumption. However, Ludwig identifies it as grammatically incorrect, meaning it doesn't conform to standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "nibble down" might seem intuitively understandable, Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically incorrect and lacks support from authoritative sources. Its intended meaning involves gradual reduction or consumption, but it's best to avoid using it in formal writing. Instead, opt for established phrasal verbs such as "nibble away at" or "whittle down". This ensures clearer communication and adheres to standard English grammar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nibble away at

Focuses on gradual reduction or erosion, often in a figurative sense.

eat away at

Implies a destructive or corrosive action, either literally or figuratively.

whittle down

Suggests a gradual reduction through deliberate effort.

chip away at

Emphasizes small, incremental reductions over time.

erode

Focuses on the natural process of wearing something down.

consume gradually

Highlights the slow and steady consumption of something.

diminish slowly

Implies a gradual decrease in size, importance, or intensity.

reduce incrementally

Focuses on the step-by-step process of making something smaller.

gradually decrease

Similar to "reduce incrementally", but emphasizes the gradual nature of the change.

take small bites

Suggests consuming something in small portions.

FAQs

Is "nibble down" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "nibble down" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's advisable to use alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "nibble down"?

Consider using phrases like "nibble away at", "eat away at", or "whittle down" as more grammatically sound alternatives.

In what contexts might I mistakenly use "nibble down"?

You might be tempted to use "nibble down" when describing a gradual reduction or consumption, but it's better to use more established phrasal verbs in those situations.

How does "nibble away at" differ from "nibble down"?

"Nibble away at" is a recognized phrasal verb that signifies gradual reduction or erosion. In contrast, Ludwig AI considers "nibble down" grammatically incorrect.