sink down

USAGE SUMMARY

"sink down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something going from a higher to a lower position. For example, "The sun slowly sank down behind the horizon, leaving the sky a bright orange."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You have to sink down into it.

The New York Times

I'm not going to sink down.

The New York Times

"It will sink down because everything up there is fractured".

The Guardian

You enter a swimming pool, and sink down.

The New Yorker

"When you walk on them and they sink down slightly, I don't feel safe.

The New York Times

"Your shoulders drop, your legs swell, your ribs sink down into your organs," she explains.

The Economist

But perhaps we are meant to sink down under the weight of this delivery.

The New York Times

This saltier water can then sink down into the deep ocean (see density current).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Future mesodermal and endodermal cells sink down into the interior, leaving only the ectodermal material at the surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She'd sink down into her chair whenever she had to announce to the class where she lived.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The tube should be long enough to go from the cooker to a sink and extend beyond the sink down to near the floor.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sink down" to vividly describe a physical descent or a decline in mood or circumstances. For example, "She felt her spirits sink down as the bad news arrived."

Common error

While "sink down" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing where more precise verbs like "descend" or "subside" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sink down" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating a movement from a higher to a lower position. It can also describe a metaphorical decline or descent, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

19%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sink down" is a commonly used phrasal verb that describes a downward movement or a decline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a range of contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, followed by wiki and encyclopedia sources. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the context and consider more formal alternatives like "descend" in certain situations. The examples showcase its application in both literal and figurative senses, making it a valuable phrase for expressing various concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descend

Implies a downward movement, often gradual and controlled.

fall

A general term for moving downward, either physically or figuratively.

subside

Suggests a decrease in intensity or level, such as water receding.

drop

Similar to fall, but can imply a more abrupt or sudden movement.

slump

Suggests a sudden or gradual collapse or decline.

settle

Indicates a gradual sinking or coming to rest at a lower level.

cave in

Suggests collapsing inwards or downwards, often under pressure.

plummet

Emphasizes a rapid and uncontrolled descent.

go under

Implies a failure or decline, often financial or emotional.

decline

Refers to a deterioration or decrease in quality or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "sink down" to describe physical movement, like "The sediment will sink down to the bottom of the glass", or emotional states, like "His heart sank down when he heard the news".

What's the difference between "descend" and "sink down"?

"Sink down" often implies a gradual or less controlled movement, while "descend" can suggest a more deliberate or controlled downward motion. "Sink down" can also refer to a metaphorical decline.

What can I say instead of "sink down"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "settle", "descend", or "subside depending on the context".

Is it always literal when something "sinks down"?

No, "sink down" is often used metaphorically to describe a decline in mood, status, or condition. For example, "Her hopes sank down after the rejection" is a metaphorical usage.