plummeting downward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plummeting downward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is falling rapidly or declining sharply, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The stock market has been plummeting downward for several weeks, causing concern among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ourselves plummeting downward to the gassy blue orb, the gassy blue orb also plummeting at the same mad rate away from us.

The New Yorker

A warm ovation greeted J. R. Smith when he checked into Game 5 on Thursday with about five minutes left in the first quarter, but there was always a sense that the tenor could change quickly, and boos would re-emerge, if Smith's current trend continued plummeting downward.

The New York Times - Sports

The elevator dropped towards the ground, plummeting downward as floors whizzed by, like the Tower of Terror at Disneyland, only horrifyingly real.

Vice

With its visual center of attention being a giant wheel, and Batman stuck in a silly stretched out pose, this pales even in comparison to the Batman Begins artwork (specifically the Batman plummeting downward shot).

Huffington Post

Shapeless and void, yet shapeshifting and lurching forth with ever new virtuosities, here spasms the ancestor of all things, unable to settle into any one configuration, unable to stop spitting out its bouyant waves swelling upward and its pitching waves plummeting downward.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They contemplate this new perspective for a few moments until — click — the cars are released and they plummet downward at fifty-six miles per hour, tearing into a series of loops and tunnels.

Columbia University

Bernazard was ultimately fired when he began to act out, but his toxic legacy remains in the bad attitude and stunted growth of some players, particularly Jose Reyes, as the team plummeted downward in spirit and performance.

The New York Times - Sports

In several instances (such as a game of Russian roulette) the mini-stories bleed cleverly from one apartment to another, their meaning only clarified as the camera plummets downward.

The Guardian - Film

To these jaundiced eyes, it appears the Grand Old Party is locked in a death spiral, gathering speed as it plummets downward.

Huffington Post

Music sales are plummeting, putting downward pressure on artists' royalties.

The New York Times

With cords attached to their bodies, Hope Clark and Matthew Stromberg plummeted head downward from above the stage, then began to swoop wildly from side to side, sometimes nearly colliding.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plummeting downward" to vividly describe a rapid and often uncontrolled descent, whether physical or metaphorical. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to convey a sense of urgency or danger.

Common error

Avoid using "plummeting downward" when a simpler word like "plummeting" or "falling" will suffice. The addition of "downward" can sometimes be redundant, especially if the context already implies a downward direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plummeting downward" functions primarily as a verbal phrase acting as a descriptive modifier. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in describing both literal physical descents and figurative declines, such as in markets or performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plummeting downward" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe a rapid and dramatic fall or decline. While "plummeting" inherently implies a downward direction, the addition of "downward" can enhance the emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in English. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "rapidly descending" and "sharply declining". When writing, be mindful of potential redundancy and ensure the phrase aligns with the intended tone and impact. Though sometimes criticized as redundant, it can be a valid and effective way to convey the speed and intensity of a fall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plunging downwards

A synonym with a slight variation in intensity. "Plunging" is less gradual than "plummeting".

rapidly descending

Focuses on the speed of the descent, similar to "plummeting downward".

sharply declining

Emphasizes the degree and direction of the decline, suitable for figurative use.

descending rapidly

A formal alternative focusing on speed and direction of descent.

quickly falling

Highlights the quick nature of the fall, applicable in both literal and figurative senses.

steeply dropping

Stresses the angle and speed of the drop, implying a significant decline.

nosediving

Implies a headfirst fall, often used in aviation or financial contexts.

tumbling down

Suggests a less controlled fall, with a rotational element.

spiraling downward

Emphasizes a circular or twisting descent.

cascading down

Suggests a waterfall-like fall, where one thing falls after another.

FAQs

What does "plummeting downward" mean?

The phrase "plummeting downward" describes something falling or declining rapidly and dramatically. It combines the intensity of "plummeting" with the direction of "downward" to emphasize a steep descent.

Is it redundant to say "plummeting downward"?

While "plummeting" already implies a downward motion, using "plummeting downward" can add emphasis, though it may sometimes be considered redundant. The choice depends on the desired level of impact and clarity in the writing. Consider alternatives like "rapidly descending" or "sharply declining".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "plummeting downward"?

Use "plummeting downward" when you want to vividly portray a rapid and significant fall or decline. It's suitable for describing both physical descents and figurative drops, such as in economic or emotional contexts. Make sure the emphasis given by "plummeting downward" is appropriate for the level of the context itself.

What are some alternatives to "plummeting downward"?

Some alternatives to "plummeting downward" include "plunging downwards", "spiraling downward", or simply "falling sharply". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.