slope downwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slope downwards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical decline or decrease in a particular context, such as geography, economics, or data trends. Example: "The path slopes downwards towards the river, making it easier for hikers to reach the water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Politics would be better if those Google ngram charts started to slope downwards again.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the occupiers are not from all walks of life, just from those walks that slope downwards – from debt, joblessness and foreclosure – leading eventually to pauperism and the streets.

The Guardian - Opinion

The road appears to slope downwards and drivers assume that their cars will go faster, but if they apply the brakes they are likely to grind to a complete halt.

The Guardian - Travel

By definition, the curves slope downwards, showing that less and less immigrants have not gained a foothold in the Swedish labor market.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

The Ferrari approach is more loaded in the middle of the wing and quite unloaded at the tips - on the wing, you can see that the highest point of the flaps is at their inside edge, and they slope downwards towards the outside of the car.

BBC

The once perky parts slope downwards.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Beyond that a dirt road slopes downwards into a wood.

The Guardian

The stand slopes downwards from the South Parade.

The Guardian

As he passed Martino and accelerated, sprinting in a long arc, he tore through Barcelona's technical area, where the turf slopes downwards away from the field.

The Guardian - Sport

The inland migration of seawater in coastal aquifers, known as seawater intrusion (SWI), can be categorised as passive or active, depending on whether the hydraulic gradient slopes downwards towards the sea or the land, respectively.

Journal of Hydrology

While the interest rate (or yield) for two-year bonds has not changed, the yield for 10-year bonds has fallen from 2.32% to a record low 1.98%: The flattening of the yield curve suggests that the outlook is one of slowing growth (the flatter the curve is, the worse the outlook, and when the curve slopes downwards, that is a sign of a recession to come).

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical landscapes or gradients, ensure that "slope downwards" is accompanied by specific details about the degree or rate of inclination for clarity.

Common error

In professional or academic contexts, overuse of "slope downwards" can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "descend", "decline", or more specific terms depending on the context to maintain reader engagement and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slope downwards" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the direction of an object, surface, or abstract concept moving from a higher to a lower position. As evidenced by Ludwig, it accurately portrays a descending inclination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slope downwards" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a descending inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. For more formal writing, synonyms such as "descend" may be preferable. Remember to consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing between "slope downwards" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descend

This alternative is a more general term indicating movement from a higher to a lower level.

decline

This alternative suggests a gradual decrease or deterioration, which can be both literal and figurative.

go down

This is a simpler, more direct way of saying "slope downwards", suitable for informal contexts.

fall

This alternative emphasizes a rapid or sudden decrease in height or value.

dip

This alternative suggests a slight and often temporary decline.

drop

This alternative implies a quick and abrupt reduction.

sink

This alternative suggests a gradual or slow decline, often with a sense of heaviness.

lower

This alternative is a more formal term for reducing in height or level.

gravitate downward

This alternative implies movement due to gravity or a similar force.

move downward

This alternative is a straightforward and neutral way of expressing the same concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "slope downwards" to describe a physical surface or a metaphorical trend. For example: "The garden path "slopes downwards" toward the pond" or "Profits "slope downwards" during the winter months".

What are some alternatives to "slope downwards"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "descend", "decline", or "go down".

When is it appropriate to use "slope downwards" instead of "descend"?

"Slope downwards" is best used when describing a gradual incline, while "descend" can refer to any movement from a higher to a lower point, whether gradual or steep.

Is "slope downwards" a formal or informal expression?

"Slope downwards" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider using alternatives like "decline" or a more specific descriptor.