slope down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slope down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a downward incline or decrease in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The path begins to slope down towards the riverbank, making it easier to access the water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The body lines slope down toward the rear, creating an image of rapid acceleration.

The New York Times

"Grading around a house should always slope down and away from the exterior wall, Mr. Kraeutler said.

The New York Times

Another flight of stairs ascends to the roof, which has 360-degree views of the orange groves and emerald green fields that slope down toward the sea.

The New York Times

The ground surrounding the house should slope down, at least one inch per foot, so water will run away from the house.

The New York Times

The overflow pipe would no longer be protected by the Great Highway; instead, workers would build a low wall scarcely higher than the pipe itself, topped by a cobblestone berm that would slope down toward the surf.

The New York Times - Science

Take the sides that slope down and push down on them and flick the pointy bit up.

WikiHow

Place a little more gravel at the back so that the fish waste not collected by the the filter can slope down to the front of the tank where it can be collected.

WikiHow

Within the first 10 feet (3.04 meters) on the ground around your foundation, your ground must slope down and away from your home by at least 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) to prevent leaks and flooding.

WikiHow

The Niger plains, in the northeast of Benin, slope down to the Niger River valley.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IMF estimates are lower, but not vastly so.Beyond Freetown, lush ridgelines slope down to the sea.

The Economist

THE slope down which America's metropolitan newspapers are tumbling became steeper this week.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing landscapes or physical objects, use "slope down" to clearly indicate a downward angle or gradient. For abstract concepts, consider synonyms like "decline" or "decrease" for better precision.

Common error

Avoid using "slope down" when describing abstract decreases or declines. While technically correct, it sounds awkward. Use more appropriate terms like "decline", "decrease", or "fall" for abstract concepts to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slope down" functions primarily as a verb phrase describing the action of something inclining or descending. It is commonly used to depict a physical gradient or a downward trajectory. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slope down" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a downward incline or descent, primarily in a physical context. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki and Encyclopedic sources. For abstract concepts, consider using synonyms like "decline" or "decrease" to improve clarity. Avoid using "slope down" in formal or business writing where more precise language is required. Remember to follow usage tips to avoid common errors and ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incline downwards

Similar in meaning, but more descriptive and less concise.

slant downwards

Emphasizes the angled nature of the descent.

descend

This word is a more formal synonym, implying a controlled downward movement.

decline

This term suggests a gradual decrease or deterioration, often in a non-physical sense.

go down

This is a simpler, more general way to express downward movement.

dip

Implies a brief, shallow downward movement.

fall

Suggests a sudden or uncontrolled downward movement.

cascade

Suggests a flowing downward movement, like water.

sink

Indicates a downward movement into a substance or medium.

drop

Implies a vertical downward movement, often quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "slope down" to describe a physical surface that angles downwards. For example, "The garden "slopes down" to the river".

What are some alternatives to "slope down"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "slope down" include "descend", "decline", or "go down".

Is it correct to say "slope downwards" instead of "slope down"?

Both "slope down" and "slope downwards" are grammatically correct, but "slope down" is generally more concise and commonly used. The phrase "incline downwards" has a similar meaning.

Can "slope down" be used in a metaphorical sense?

While "slope down" primarily describes physical inclines, it can be used metaphorically to describe a gradual decline or decrease. However, using words like "decline" or "decrease" might be clearer in abstract contexts.