ruin down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ruin down" is not correct and not usable in written English.
It seems to be a confusion of terms, as "ruin" typically does not pair with "down" in standard English usage. Example: "The storm will ruin the picnic plans."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Watching the Dow get hacked down, seeing the investment banking industry collapse, hearing about the lavish rewards won by the corporate officers who brought this ruin down on us -- all these things combined to make a certain Depressionesque fury the unavoidable flavor of the year.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It cost DM70m to knock the ruins down and to make the site fit to use.

The Economist

Here, we live as simply as we ever did: we raise a garden and we cook nearly all our meals – but now we can do it without the constant threat of homelessness or total financial ruin bearing down upon us.

The Guardian - Opinion

ruined!" calm down, tom.

The Guardian - Sport

Saddam Hussein lies ruined, face down, in the dust of a warehouse in a northern corner of town.

The New York Times

The motor is ruined!" "Calm down, man, give me your coordinates," Willy responded, from the beachside docks in Costa Azul.

The Guardian

The solution presents itself in a one-week guided trip to visit Guatemala's most important ruins, bedding down along the way in rustic but blissfully comfortable little inns and hotels.

The Guardian - Travel

Across the way, a house that was being refurbished was all but ruined; and down where the brook meets the East Branch of the Ausable River, the water overflowed its banks, washing mud more than two feet deep into homes and into the Cedar Run bakery, which was known for its muffins.

The New York Times

The team's fabled batting line-up, stuffed with ageing legends, lay in ruins, mowed down by a bunch of terrific young Australian speedsters.

BBC

When the pile was complete, they bulldozed the building, bringing its ruins down on the corpses.

The Guardian

Walk past the ruins, down Eastgate, cut down the side of Sloane's bar, down the back of Argos and the Mecca Bingo.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the phrase "ruin down", consider more common and grammatically sound alternatives such as "collapse", "deteriorate", or "fall into disrepair" to convey a sense of decline or destruction more effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "ruin down" in formal writing. It is not recognized as a standard English phrase. Instead, choose established alternatives to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ruin down" is not grammatically sound. Its intended function appears to be descriptive, aiming to convey the process of something decaying or falling apart. Ludwig AI confirms its non-standard usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ruin down" is not grammatically correct and its usage is rare. Ludwig AI indicates it's an incorrect phrase. Standard alternatives like "deteriorate", "collapse", or "fall into disrepair" are recommended for conveying similar meanings. While some instances appear in news media, it's best to avoid "ruin down" in formal writing to ensure clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapse

Refers to a sudden failure or loss of strength, similar to a severe decline.

fall into disrepair

Describes a gradual decline in condition due to neglect.

deteriorate

Indicates a progressive worsening of a situation or condition.

decline

Suggests a gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or importance.

break down

Implies a failure of a system or object, ceasing to function effectively.

crumble

Signifies a disintegration into small particles, often used metaphorically for institutions or relationships.

go to ruin

Means to be destroyed or to decay

descend into chaos

Suggests a rapid and uncontrolled decline into disorder.

meet its demise

A more formal way to describe something meeting its end or ruin.

devolve

Implies a decline from a higher to a lower state or form.

FAQs

Is "ruin down" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "ruin down" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use alternatives such as "fall into disrepair" or "collapse".

What does "ruin down" mean?

While not a standard phrase, "ruin down" might be interpreted as something decaying or being destroyed. More appropriate alternatives to convey this meaning include "deteriorate" or "go to ruin".

Can I use "ruin down" in formal writing?

It's not advisable to use "ruin down" in formal writing, as it's not a recognized or commonly used phrase. Opt for established expressions like "decline" or "break down" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

What are some alternatives to "ruin down"?

Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives to "ruin down" include "crumble", "descend into chaos", or "meet its demise". The best choice depends on the specific context.