step down the steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "step down the steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of descending a staircase or a series of steps. Example: "Be careful as you step down the steps; they can be slippery when wet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

When you say, "down" or "step down" the bird should actually step up and onto the perch.

WikiHow

Transformer, device that transfers electric energy from one alternating-current circuit to one or more other circuits, either increasing (stepping up) or reducing (stepping down) the voltage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is about all of us and why we bother stepping down the steps of clubland, weekend after weekend.

Vice

I had no idea how to use a tripod, or my camera for that matter, but I grabbed one anyway and carefully stepped down the steps they had made in the snow that led down to the bank.

Huffington Post

Both use mainly DC/DC converters to step down or step up the voltage to provide regulated voltage.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Slowly step up onto a stair and step down off the step by placing the heel down and the toe upward.

WikiHow

Results: In the PFPS population, the EMG onset of VL occurred before that of VMO in both the step up and step down phases of the stair-stepping task (p <.05).

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

There are many dangers, including crevasses on the step up and step down from the plateau.

The New York Times

Voicing strong support for the protesters, the pro-democracy Apple Daily lambasts the central and Hong Kong governments and calls for Chief Executive CY Leung to step down "as the first step to soothe the crisis".

BBC

It is not yet clear what might happen if Renzi does step down, but the next steps would be determined by Italy's relatively new president, Sergio Mattarella, who could cobble together a new government and install a new prime minister, such as Pier Carlo Padoan, who currently serves as finance minister.

The Guardian

Hayes says that calling for Assad to step down was the necessary step, and he implies that it should have come a long time ago.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the act of going down stairs, consider the context. If formality isn't required, "go down the stairs" or "walk down the steps" might be more natural choices than "step down the steps".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "step down the steps" can sound redundant. Opt for simpler alternatives like "go down the stairs" unless you specifically want to emphasize the act of stepping.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step down the steps" primarily functions as a verbal phrase describing the act of descending stairs. While Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct, its infrequent usage suggests that simpler alternatives are more common.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "step down the steps" is grammatically correct but not frequently used, as per Ludwig. It describes the act of descending a staircase, but simpler alternatives such as "go down the stairs" or "descend the staircase" are often preferred. While versatile and correct, it's important to consider the context and choose the most natural-sounding option. The primary contexts are News & Media, Science and Wiki.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walk down the steps

Emphasizes the manner of descending, specifically walking.

move down the steps

A general term to describe descending the steps.

go down the stairs

A simpler and more common way to describe moving downwards on stairs.

come down the steps

Indicates movement from a higher position to a lower one, towards the speaker.

descend the staircase

Focuses on the action of going down a staircase in a more formal tone.

descend the flight of stairs

Specifies a continuous series of steps.

climb down the steps

Highlights the effort involved in descending, as if it were a climb in reverse.

carefully descend the steps

Adds emphasis to the caution exercised while going down.

retreat down the steps

Suggests backing away from the position.

make one's way down the steps

A more descriptive and elaborate way of saying going down.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "step down the steps" to sound more natural?

Consider using alternatives such as "go down the stairs" or "walk down the steps" for a less formal and more common expression.

Is "step down the steps" grammatically incorrect?

No, the phrase is grammatically sound, but it might sound slightly redundant or less idiomatic than alternatives like "descend the stairs".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "step down the steps"?

Use "step down the steps" when you want to specifically emphasize the act of stepping while descending, but be aware that simpler alternatives often suffice.

What are some formal alternatives to "step down the steps"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "descend the staircase" or "carefully descend the steps" to convey the same meaning with increased sophistication.