plummet down

USAGE SUMMARY

"plummet down" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to fall or drop suddenly and quickly. Example: "The stock market experienced a sharp decline, causing prices to plummet down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

She did not plummet down but floated across the murk into the bathroom.

The New Yorker

The temperature can plummet down to -10C or more, so now is perfect museum and gallery weather.

The Guardian

I was impressed to see myself plummet down some of the slides in Atlantis Aquaventure in Nassau, but swimming with sting rays was my limit.

Independent

Or are you expecting the sequel to plummet down to earth once we all come to the horrible realisation that Sony's Spider senses are seriously off-radar?

The Guardian - Film

The signet ring was heavy enough to plummet down to the ocean floor, where a hagfish lunged at it, swallowed it and choked.

The Guardian - Books

Despite the arrival of a new domestic airport in the south of the country this month, and plans for two more, most journeys are along single-lane roads which twist round valleys or plummet down mountainsides.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Suddenly, there was a flash, and the jet plummeted down in a blaze of light.

The New Yorker

But then the meals go plummeting down in a dizzying spin.

The New York Times - Food

A 75-year-old man in a flight suit plummets down into their coconut tarts.

The New York Times

The £3.5 million Georgian home, in Barnes, west London, came plummeting down as builders worked on a basement project below.

Independent

They poured out of the hall and out into the lawn as bricks plummeted down from the building.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plummet down" to vividly describe a swift and uncontrolled fall, whether literal or figurative. It's best suited for scenarios where the speed and suddenness are key aspects.

Common error

While "plummet down" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound overly dramatic in formal writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "decrease rapidly" or "decline sharply" /s/decline+sharply in professional or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "plummet down" is as a phrasal verb, used to describe a sudden and rapid descent. This is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig, where it describes objects or entities quickly falling.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plummet down" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb that vividly describes a rapid descent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a commonly used phrase in written English. While suitable for news and general contexts, it may be too informal for strict academic or professional writing. Key alternatives include "fall rapidly" or "descend quickly", depending on the desired level of formality. The frequency of its usage is categorized as common, predominantly within news and media sources. It's crucial to consider the tone and intended audience when choosing "plummet down" to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plunge downward

Similar to "plummet down" but can also be used in metaphorical contexts to describe a sudden decline.

fall rapidly

Focuses on the speed of falling, less emphasis on the suddenness compared to "plummet down".

drop sharply

Highlights a significant decrease or fall, suitable for describing numerical values or physical objects.

descend quickly

A more formal way to describe a fast descent. Less dramatic than "plummet down".

tumble down

Suggests a less controlled descent, implying rolling or haphazard movement.

crash down

Implies a forceful and often destructive descent.

dive steeply

Indicates a sharp, angled descent, often used in aviation contexts.

decline steeply

Suitable for describing a sharp fall in numbers or values, but lacks the physical imagery of "plummet down".

nose-dive

Specifically refers to an aircraft's steep downward plunge, but can be used metaphorically.

take a nosedive

This phrase describes a sudden and severe downturn. Slightly more informal.

FAQs

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

You can use "plummet down" to describe a rapid fall, like "The stock prices plummeted down after the announcement" or "The bird plummeted down from the sky to catch its prey."

What is a good alternative to "plummet down"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "plummet down" include "fall rapidly", "drop sharply", or "descend quickly".

Is "plummet down" redundant; does "plummet" already imply downward movement?

While "plummet" does imply a downward motion, "plummet down" emphasizes the speed and direction of the fall, adding intensity to the image. It isn't strictly redundant, but rather emphatic.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "plummet down"?

Avoid using "plummet down" in very formal or technical writing where a more neutral term like "decrease sharply" or "decline rapidly" /s/decline+rapidly would be more suitable. It's also less appropriate when describing slow or gradual declines.