slid down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slid down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of moving downward smoothly or quickly, often in a physical context. Example: "The child slid down the slide at the playground with a big smile on his face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another slid down behind her.

The New York Times - Sports

He slid down and stared at me.

The Guardian - Books

One group of kids slid down a dirt hill, ran back up, and slid down again.

The New Yorker

Cairn Energy also slid - down 2.2% to £26.69.

The Guardian - Business

Women sometimes slid down and twisted about their partners' backs.

The New York Times - Arts

Meaning even if you slid down, you could climb back up.

The New York Times

He slid down off the seat and turned back toward me.

The New Yorker

She slid down in her seat, trying to grab hold of him through the open door.

The New Yorker

Our suitcases slid off down the mountain and we slid down after them".

Independent

If the tongue of the shoe slid down, use the reacher to pull it up.

WikiHow

He clambered up and slid down the director Robert Lepage's hulking mechanical set with abandon.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slid down" to describe a smooth, often intentional, downward movement. For example, use it when referring to someone using a slide or intentionally moving down a surface with reduced friction.

Common error

Avoid using "slid down" when a more precise verb would better convey the specific manner of movement. For instance, use "tumbled down" instead of "slid down" if the movement was uncontrolled and chaotic.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "slid down" primarily functions as a descriptive verb phrase, illustrating a motion downwards. This use is supported by Ludwig's examples of people, objects, and even tears moving in a downward direction. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "slid down" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a smooth, downward movement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "slipped down" or "glided down" exist, "slid down" often implies a controlled or intentional action. When writing, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid using "slid down" when a more precise verb would be more accurate. By understanding these subtleties, you can effectively incorporate "slid down" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slipped down

Suggests a loss of traction or control during the downward movement.

glided down

Implies a smooth and effortless downward motion.

slithered down

Suggests a snake-like or winding movement downwards.

descended

A more formal and general term for moving downwards.

tumbled down

Indicates an uncontrolled and possibly chaotic downward movement.

skidded down

Implies a sideways or uncontrolled slide downwards.

sloped down

Describes a gradual downward incline.

sank down

Indicates a slow and heavy descent.

dropped down

Suggests a sudden and quick downward movement.

cascaded down

Describes a flowing downward movement, like water.

FAQs

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

You can use "slid down" to describe a smooth, downward motion, such as "The children "slid down" the hill on their sleds" or "She "slid down" the banister for fun".

What are some alternatives to "slid down"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "slipped down", "glided down", or "descended". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "slid down" and "slipped down"?

"Slid down" typically implies a controlled or intentional movement, while "slipped down" suggests a loss of control or an accidental slide. For example, you "slid down" a water slide, but you might have "slipped down" some icy steps.

What's the difference between "slid down" and "sloped down"?

"Slid down" describes the action of moving, whereas "sloped down" describes a static inclination. You "slid down" the hill that "sloped down" to the river.