stepping down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stepping down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a resignation or a reduction in position or responsibility, often in a professional context. Example: "After many years of dedicated service, the CEO announced that he would be stepping down at the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What role is he stepping down from?

Independent

So maybe stepping down was worth it.

The New York Times

"It's a subtle stepping down".

The New York Times

I'm stepping down, I'm not retiring".

The New York Times - Sports

She is stepping down this month.

The New York Times

Holder is stepping down as attorney general.

The Guardian

So "stepping down" is like firing yourself?

The Guardian

He is stepping down in November.

The Guardian

I'm stepping down but Corbynism will flourish".

The Guardian - Opinion

Stevens stepping down is an unalloyed good for the party.

The Economist

"You know what stepping down means to him?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stepping down" when you want to convey a sense of voluntary resignation, often implying a planned or graceful exit from a role. For instance, a CEO "stepping down" suggests a planned transition rather than a forced removal.

Common error

Avoid using "stepping down" when the departure is clearly involuntary or due to negative circumstances like being fired or removed due to misconduct. Use more direct terms like "was dismissed" or "removed from office" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stepping down" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb. It describes the action of voluntarily leaving a position or role. Ludwig's examples show its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Stepping down" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of voluntarily leaving a position. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various news and media sources. While generally neutral in tone, it implies a planned and often graceful exit. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate it from involuntary departures, using more direct language when someone is dismissed or resigns under pressure. Alternatives like "resigning from" or "leaving office" can provide more specific nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standing down

A synonym, more common in British English, meaning to resign.

resigning from

Indicates a formal act of leaving a position or job.

relinquishing position

Implies a formal or official giving up of a role.

leaving office

Specifically refers to vacating a political or official post.

vacating post

Similar to leaving office, emphasizing the act of making a position empty.

demitting office

A formal term for resigning or leaving a position, particularly in certain organizations.

retiring from

Suggests leaving a position due to age or end of a career.

giving up role

A more general term for ceasing to perform a particular function.

passing the torch

Figurative language, implying handing over responsibility to a successor.

transitioning out

Suggests a gradual departure or shift from a position.

FAQs

What does "stepping down" mean?

"Stepping down" means to resign or leave a position, often implying a voluntary and planned departure.

What can I say instead of "stepping down"?

You can use alternatives like "resigning from", "relinquishing position", or "leaving office" depending on the context.

Is "stepping down" the same as "retiring"?

While both involve leaving a position, "stepping down" doesn't necessarily imply retirement. "Stepping down" can mean moving to a different role or taking a break, while "retiring" specifically means leaving the workforce permanently.

Can "stepping down" imply negative circumstances?

Generally, "stepping down" suggests a voluntary departure. If the departure is due to negative reasons, it's more accurate to use phrases like "was dismissed" or "resigned under pressure".