plummet downwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plummet downwards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and steep decline, often in a figurative sense, such as in finance or physical movement. Example: "After the announcement of the company's poor earnings, the stock prices began to plummet downwards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Sometimes heavier ice crystals plummet downwards, creating wispy cirrus clouds.

The Guardian

As a result, it was not a situation where he could subject the nation to a year or two of pain that comes from the Fed quickly raising interest rates only to see the inevitable economic boom that follows when those interest rates plummet downwards.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The moth instinctively attempts to correct by turning toward the light, causing airborne moths to come plummeting downwards, and at close range, which results in a spiral flight path that gets closer and closer to the light source.

Wikipedia

Profits plummet.

The Economist

The dollar could plummet.

University of California, Berkeley

Stocks plummet.

The New York Times - Books

The plummet silenced us.

The New Yorker

German exports would plummet.

The New York Times

Your spirits plummet.

Science Magazine

Some plummet.

Huffington Post

Border crossings will plummet.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plummet downwards" to vividly describe a rapid and significant decrease, whether in a physical or figurative sense. It adds impact when emphasizing the speed and severity of the decline.

Common error

Avoid using "plummet downwards" when "plummet" alone suffices. The word "plummet" already implies a downward motion, making "downwards" often redundant. Only use "plummet downwards" when you want to add extra emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plummet downwards" functions as a verb phrase, specifically describing an action of rapid and forceful descent. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is usable in written English. Examples show its application to both physical and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plummet downwards" describes a rapid and significant decline, usable but somewhat redundant since "plummet" already implies a downward motion. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from sources like The Guardian and Forbes. While acceptable, concise alternatives such as "fall sharply" or "drop rapidly" often suffice. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plunge downward

A synonym emphasizing the force and speed of the descent.

fall sharply

Emphasizes the steepness of the fall, a core aspect of "plummet downwards".

drop rapidly

Highlights the quick decrease in position or value.

dive steeply

Similar to "plunge downward", emphasizing a sharp and quick descent.

rapidly descend

Focuses on the speed of descent, similar to "plummet downwards" but without the implication of a crash or fall.

decline steeply

Indicates a significant and rapid decrease, often in a figurative sense like prices or ratings.

descend swiftly

A more formal way of saying "plummet downwards", focusing on the speed of the descent.

nose-dive

Suggests a steep and sudden drop, often used in the context of aviation or figurative declines.

tumble down

Implies a less controlled fall than "plummet downwards", suggesting a rolling or chaotic descent.

cascade down

Conveys a sense of flowing downwards rapidly, like a waterfall.

FAQs

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

You can use "plummet downwards" to describe a rapid decline. For example, "After the scandal, the company's stock prices "began to plummet" downwards."

What are some alternatives to "plummet downwards"?

Alternatives include "fall sharply", "drop rapidly", or "decline steeply". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it redundant to say "plummet downwards"?

Yes, "plummet" already implies downward motion. However, "plummet downwards" can be used for emphasis, though it's often more concise to simply use "plummet".

What's the difference between "plummet downwards" and "fall downwards"?

"Plummet downwards" suggests a faster and more dramatic fall than "fall downwards". "Fall downwards" is a more general and less emphatic description of descending.