steps down

USAGE SUMMARY

"steps down" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to resign or to give up a position of authority or responsibility. Example: After serving as the CEO for 20 years, John announced his intention to step down and retire from the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CEO Jim Atchinson steps down.

The Guardian

Sawers steps down next month.

The Guardian

Video: The CAR's president steps down.

Independent

Two steps down, one step up.

Columbia University

Two small steps down into the restaurant.

The New York Times

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS -- Steps down to front door.

The New York Times - Food

The building steps down facing the city.

The New York Times

Then he steps down as chief executive.

The New York Times - Health

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS -- Several steps down to entrance.

The New York Times - Food

February - Steps down as Southampton manager.

The Guardian - Sport

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS Three steps down at entrance.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steps down", ensure the context clearly indicates the position or role being relinquished. For example, "The CEO steps down from the board" clarifies the specific departure.

Common error

Avoid using "steps down" without specifying the role or position. Saying "He steps down" lacks clarity; instead, specify "He steps down as chairman."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steps down" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically an intransitive verb, indicating the act of resigning or relinquishing a position. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its application in contexts ranging from corporate leadership to political roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steps down" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrasal verb signifying the act of resigning or leaving a position. As validated by Ludwig AI, it’s commonly used in News & Media. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, it’s essential to clarify the role or position being vacated to ensure clarity. Alternative phrases such as "resigns from" or "leaves office" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stands down

A more general term for relinquishing a position.

resigns from

Indicates a more formal departure from a position.

leaves office

Focuses on the physical act of departing from an official role.

relinquishes post

A more formal and official way of saying someone gives up their position.

departs from role

Emphasizes the action of leaving or moving away from a specific function.

abdicates responsibility

Suggests a formal renunciation of duty, often in the context of leadership.

vacates position

Implies making a position empty, often with a successor in mind.

retires from

Specifically indicates leaving a position due to reaching the end of one's career.

exits leadership

Highlights the departure from a leadership role.

gives up seat

Implies a voluntary surrender of a position, often in politics.

FAQs

How to use "steps down" in a sentence?

You can use "steps down" to indicate that someone is resigning or leaving a position. For example, "The mayor "steps down" after the scandal".

What can I say instead of "steps down"?

You can use alternatives like "resigns from", "leaves office", or "relinquishes post" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "step down from" or "steps down from"?

Both "step down from" and "steps down from" are grammatically correct, the choice depends on whether you are referring to a singular (steps) or plural/general action (step). Example: "He steps down from his position" vs "They will step down from their roles".

What's the difference between "steps down" and "is replaced by"?

"Steps down" indicates the act of leaving a position, while "is replaced by" indicates that someone else is taking over that position. The phrases often go together, such as "The CEO steps down and is replaced by the CFO".