step down

USAGE SUMMARY

"step down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom meaning to resign from a position or to decrease in magnitude. For example: The Prime Minister announced he would step down from office at the end of the year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To step down?

The New Yorker

He should step down.

The New York Times - Sports

Rumsfeld must step down".

The New Yorker

"Why would I step down?

Independent

He needs to step down.

The New York Times

She should step down".

The New York Times

Or step down?

The Guardian - Opinion

"He must step down.

The Guardian

Will he step down?

The Guardian

"I will step down," she offered.

The New Yorker

He said he would not step down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "step down" to mean resign, ensure the context clearly indicates the position being relinquished. For example, "The CEO will step down from her role next month".

Common error

Avoid using "step down" when a more precise term is needed. For instance, if someone is being forced out of a position, phrases like "was ousted" or "was removed" are more accurate than "stepped down".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step down" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used intransitively. It indicates the action of resigning from a position, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "He should step down" or "She will step down". The phrase also functions to describe a gradual reduction or descent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb phrase "step down" is a common expression with two primary meanings: to resign from a position and to gradually reduce something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, primarily in neutral contexts like news and media. When writing, ensure clarity by providing context, especially when referring to a specific role or process. Consider using alternatives such as "resign" or "decrease gradually" for greater precision where needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resign

Single word alternative focusing specifically on leaving a position.

relinquish position

More formal and emphasizes the act of giving up a role.

leave office

Specifically refers to departing from a governmental or organizational role.

decrease gradually

Emphasizes a slow reduction rather than a sudden departure.

reduce incrementally

Highlights the stepwise nature of the reduction.

descend

Focuses on the physical act of moving downwards, or figuratively, declining in status.

move down

A more general term for shifting to a lower level.

yield authority

Emphasizes the transfer of power or control.

cede control

Similar to 'yield authority' but implies a more formal or forced relinquishment.

take a back seat

Idiomatic expression suggesting a less active or influential role.

FAQs

What does "step down" mean?

The phrase "step down" primarily means to resign from a position or to gradually reduce something. It can also refer to a physical downward movement.

How to use "step down" in a sentence?

You can say, "The manager decided to "resign" and "step down" from their post", or "The company will "reduce incrementally" and "step down" its production levels to match demand".

What can I say instead of "step down"?

Alternatives include "resign", "leave office", "decrease gradually", or "move down", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "stepping down" instead of "step down"?

Yes, "stepping down" is a valid gerund form of the verb phrase. It is often used in continuous tenses or as a noun. For example, "His stepping down surprised everyone."