stepped down

USAGE SUMMARY

"stepped down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone has resigned from a position or job. For example, "The mayor stepped down after facing allegations of misconduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ashikaga's managers stepped down.

The Economist

He stepped down in 2005.

The Economist

Smythe stepped down in 1961.

The New Yorker

Has he stepped down?

The Guardian

Father Fugee has stepped down from ministry.

The New York Times

The chairman abruptly stepped down on Tuesday.

The New York Times

(Mr. Gerard stepped down in 2008).

The New York Times

They stepped down; they were not fired.

The New York Times

Mr. Ikawa stepped down on Sept. 16.

The New York Times

He stepped down as president in 2010.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 2013 he stepped down as chairman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stepped down" when you want to convey a sense of voluntary departure, especially from a position of authority or responsibility. It implies a level of decorum and choice in the decision.

Common error

Avoid using "stepped down" interchangeably with "stepped away". "Stepped down" indicates a permanent resignation, while "stepped away" suggests a temporary leave of absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stepped down" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of resigning or leaving a position, typically one of authority or responsibility. Ludwig examples showcase this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

14%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stepped down" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to indicate that someone has resigned or left a position, often of authority. According to Ludwig, its usage spans diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to differentiate it from similar phrases like "stepped aside" or "stepped away", each carrying slightly different implications. By avoiding common errors and considering the context, you can effectively use "stepped down" to convey a clear and accurate message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stepped aside

Similar to "stepped down", but can also imply a temporary absence.

Resigned from position

Focuses specifically on the act of resigning, which implies a voluntary departure.

Left office

A more formal way to say someone has left a political or official role.

Relinquished duties

Emphasizes the act of giving up responsibilities, often used in formal contexts.

Vacated post

A formal term suggesting the position is now empty or available.

Retired from role

Implies the person has ended their career in that specific capacity.

Yielded leadership

Highlights the act of giving up a leadership position.

Departed from company

Focuses on leaving a company, not just a specific role.

Ceased to serve

A formal and somewhat distant way of stating someone no longer holds a position.

Transitioned out of role

Indicates a planned or gradual departure.

FAQs

How is "stepped down" commonly used in a sentence?

Typically, "stepped down" is used to indicate someone has resigned or left a position. For example, "The CEO "stepped down" after the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "stepped down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "resigned", "left office", or "relinquished duties".

Is it correct to say "step down from" instead of "stepped down"?

"Step down from" is grammatically correct and implies a future action, while "stepped down" indicates a past action. For example, "He will step down from his position next month" versus "He "stepped down" last week".

What's the difference between "stepped down" and "stepped aside"?

"Stepped down" usually implies a permanent departure from a role, while "stepped aside" can suggest a temporary absence or a more nuanced change in responsibilities.