spiral down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spiral down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe a downward trajectory of a situation or an emotion. For example, you could say: "The stocks continued to spiral down further and further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"From there it was just spiral, spiral, spiral down".

The New York Times - Arts

You spiral down into hollows, and up into expanses.

The Guardian - Arts

He was ill-prepared when the spiral down began.

The New York Times

At the top you're let loose to spin and spiral down at insane speeds for 1.5km.

Independent

Or relations between Washington and Beijing may spiral down into mutual trade sanctions.

The New York Times

If there isn't the work, people just spiral down and feel less hopeful about the future.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Things really spiralled down".

Independent

"Just spiralling down".

The New Yorker

The plane is now spiraling down".

The New York Times - Books

The company's shares spiraled down 11 percent in three days.

The New York Times

"Many from the middle class have spiralled down to poverty.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "spiral down" when emphasizing a continuous and worsening decline, not just a single event.

Common error

Avoid using "spiral down" to describe a single, sudden event. This phrase is best suited for processes that unfold over time, not instantaneous occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "spiral down" functions primarily as a descriptor of a gradual decline or descent. It suggests a continuous and often worsening trajectory, as illustrated by Ludwig examples related to economic downturns, emotional states, and even physical movement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spiral down" is a commonly used phrasal verb that effectively describes a gradual and continuous decline. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in contexts such as news, media, and general discussions. Related phrases include "decline sharply" and "go downhill". When using this phrase, it's important to convey a sense of ongoing deterioration rather than a singular event. Common mistakes involve misusing it to describe sudden occurrences. Remember to use "spiral down" when you want to paint a vivid picture of something progressively worsening.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descend rapidly

Emphasizes a quick downward movement or decline, whether physical or metaphorical.

deteriorate quickly

Focuses on the rapid worsening of a situation or condition.

plummet

Implies a steep and rapid fall, often in a financial or economic context.

decline sharply

Highlights a significant drop in value, quality, or status.

go downhill

Indicates a progressive decline in quality or condition.

take a nosedive

Suggests a sudden and dramatic drop, often in performance or popularity.

devolve

Implies a regression to a lower or less developed state.

regress

Focuses on returning to a previous, usually worse, state.

fall apart

Indicates a breakdown or disintegration of something, such as a relationship or system.

go to pieces

Similar to 'fall apart', but often used to describe a person's emotional breakdown.

FAQs

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

You can use "spiral down" to describe a gradual decline. For example, "After the company lost its major client, profits began to "spiral down" rapidly".

What's a similar phrase to "spiral down" that I can use?

Alternatives to "spiral down" include "decline sharply", "go downhill", or "deteriorate quickly", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "spiral down" in a literal or figurative sense?

Yes, "spiral down" can be used both literally, such as describing an object moving downwards in a spiral, or figuratively, to describe a situation worsening over time.

What causes something to "spiral down"?

The cause of something "spiralling down" depends on the context. It could be due to financial mismanagement, personal problems, or external forces, among other factors.