slide down

USAGE SUMMARY

"slide down" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe the movement of something or someone moving downward in a smooth, continuous motion. Example: The children giggled as they slid down the slide at the playground.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Helps 'em slide down easy".

The New York Times

You would slide down, not fall off.

The New York Times

"Sometimes, I would slide down my stairs.

The New York Times - Sports

Then you slide down, an elegant finish".

The New Yorker

As you slide down the ballot, the races get cheaper.

The New York Times

I slide down your evening like weariness down a slope.

The New Yorker

What has sent American tennis on its long slide down?

The New Yorker

He may slide down one of the ropes amid acclaim.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Try a smiling: "Let me slide down a little.

The New York Times

Children use the cardboard to slide down the hills.

The New York Times

We have seen Ukraine slide down from democracy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, "slide down" can effectively convey a gradual decline, as in "The company's profits began to slide down after the new regulations were implemented."

Common error

Avoid using "slide down" when a more abrupt or uncontrolled descent is intended. Use phrases like "fall down" or "drop down" instead to accurately portray the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "slide down" functions primarily as a verb of motion, describing a smooth and continuous descent. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in both literal and figurative contexts, showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slide down" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a smooth, continuous downward movement, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriate usage. Be mindful of alternatives like "glide down" or "slip down" to convey subtle differences in meaning. Remember, mastering the nuances of phrases like "slide down" enhances your ability to communicate effectively and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glide down

Focuses on the smoothness of the descent.

slip down

Emphasizes a loss of control during the descent.

descend smoothly

Highlights the controlled and gradual nature of the downward movement.

move downwards

A more general term for downward motion, lacking the nuance of sliding.

drop down

Suggests a quicker and less controlled descent than sliding.

fall down

Indicates an uncontrolled and often abrupt descent.

decline gradually

Used in a more figurative sense, referring to a gradual decline in condition or status.

slump down

Implies a heavy or listless downward movement.

cascade down

Suggests a flowing, waterfall-like descent, often used for liquids or masses of items.

settle down

Often refers to becoming calm or stable after a period of activity or movement.

FAQs

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

"Slide down" is used to describe a smooth, continuous downward movement. For example, "The children "slide down the hill" on their sleds."

What are some alternatives to "slide down"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "glide down", "slip down", or "descend smoothly".

Is it appropriate to use "slide down" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In more formal settings, phrases like "descend gradually" might be more appropriate. However, "slide down" is perfectly acceptable for describing literal actions even in news reports.

When should I use "slide down" versus "fall down"?

"Slide down" implies a controlled or smooth descent, while "fall down" suggests a loss of control or an abrupt drop. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the nature of the movement.