started down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of a downward movement or a decline in a situation or condition. Example: "As the sun started down, the sky turned a beautiful shade of orange."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He started down the runway.

The New Yorker

Then we started down".

The New Yorker

Obama has started down a slippery slope.

BBC

Remember me?' Tears started down her cheeks.

The New Yorker

Some financial companies have even started down that path.

The New York Times

"I started down a very different tack, very dark.

The Guardian - Books

I smacked him on the back of his head, and we started down toward the campsite.

The New York Times - Travel

Finally, I started down on my own and was met halfway by a host.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This shows that cells on TCP were confluent and started down-regulation of cell proliferation.

Progress in Biomaterials

Apple started down-market with consumers before moving upstream to take over the enterprise market, too.

TechCrunch

So Uber started down-market and moved upstream, a clear example of low-end market disruption.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started down", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, whether it's a physical descent or the beginning of a metaphorical decline. For instance, "He started down the path" versus "The company started down a slippery slope."

Common error

Avoid using "started down" interchangeably in all contexts. Ensure the downward direction is relevant. For example, don't use it to describe starting a new project unless it implies a challenging or declining situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started down" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a downward movement or a decline. Ludwig AI identifies examples showing both literal descents (e.g., "He started down the runway") and metaphorical declines (e.g., "Obama has started down a slippery slope").

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started down" is a verb phrase used to describe the initiation of a movement or a decline. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across varied contexts, primarily in news and academic sources. It's crucial to consider the context to ensure accurate conveyance of meaning, whether it pertains to a literal descent or a metaphorical decline. While the phrase is generally grammatically correct, misuse can arise from misinterpreting the context and applying it inappropriately. Remember to verify the specific context to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began descending

Focuses on the act of moving downwards, emphasizing the physical descent.

commenced declining

Highlights the beginning of a decrease or deterioration in a condition or state.

initiated descent

Emphasizes a formal or planned beginning of a downward movement.

set off downwards

Implies a journey or path that leads downwards, often physically.

embarked on a decline

Indicates the start of a negative trend or downturn.

began to fall

Simple and direct, focusing on a downward movement or drop.

started to drop

Similar to 'began to fall' but can also apply to data or levels.

initiated a slide

Suggests a smooth and uncontrolled downward movement.

moved downhill

Emphasizes movement towards a lower elevation or state.

progressed downwards

Focuses on gradual advancement in a descending direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "started down" to describe a physical descent, like "He "started down the stairs"", or a metaphorical decline, such as "The project "started down a slippery slope"".

What are some alternatives to "started down"?

Alternatives include "began descending" for physical movements, and "commenced declining" for deteriorating situations.

Is it always appropriate to use "started down" when describing the beginning of something?

No, "started down" is most appropriate when the beginning involves a literal or figurative downward direction. If there's no such implication, consider using more neutral phrases like "began" or "initiated".

What's the difference between "started down" and "began"?

"Started down" implies a downward trajectory or descent, while "began" is a general term for initiating an action or state without any directional connotation. For example, "He began a new job" doesn't suggest a downward movement, unlike "He "started down a dangerous path"".