things went downhill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things went downhill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that has deteriorated or worsened over time. Example: "After the new management took over, things went downhill for the company, leading to significant layoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Things went downhill from there.

The New York Times

Things went downhill quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Things went downhill fast.

The Guardian - Books

But things went downhill in 2006.

The New York Times - Health

But things went downhill from there.

The New Yorker

Yet things went downhill soon afterward.

The New York Times

Things went downhill when I hit puberty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sadly, things went downhill from here.

The Guardian - Books

Things went downhill when cocaine and heroin entered the picture.

The New York Times

My notes record: "Things went downhill from there.

The New York Times

Minaya acknowledges that things went downhill on his watch.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things went downhill" to describe a clear turning point after which a situation deteriorated. Ensure the context provides a point of comparison, showing the contrast between the before and after.

Common error

While "things went downhill" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "the situation deteriorated" or "the performance declined" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things went downhill" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that a situation deteriorated or worsened after a specific point. Ludwig AI validates this usage by providing numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Books

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things went downhill" is a common and widely understood phrase used to describe a decline or deterioration in a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in highly formal settings, opting for more polished alternatives like "the situation deteriorated". Its communicative purpose is primarily to express negative change or disappointment. Remember to use this phrase when a clear turning point and subsequent decline are evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things deteriorated

Focuses on the process of worsening, similar to "things went downhill".

the situation worsened

Emphasizes that a specific situation has become worse.

matters took a turn for the worse

Highlights an abrupt change leading to a negative outcome.

things spiraled out of control

Indicates a loss of control and a rapid decline.

everything fell apart

Suggests a complete breakdown or failure.

the decline began

Focuses specifically on the starting point of a downward trend.

the situation crumbled

Implies a gradual but inevitable collapse.

things took a nosedive

Conveys a sharp and rapid decline, more dramatic than the original phrase.

troubles mounted

Suggests an accumulation of problems leading to a decline.

the wheels came off

Implies a sudden and catastrophic failure, more figurative than the original.

FAQs

What does "things went downhill" mean?

The phrase "things went downhill" means that a situation deteriorated or worsened after a specific point. It implies a decline from a previous, more positive state.

How can I use "things went downhill" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a variety of situations. For example: "After the key player was injured, "things went downhill" for the team".

What can I say instead of "things went downhill"?

You can use alternatives like "things deteriorated", "the situation worsened", or "matters took a turn for the worse" depending on the context.

Is "things went downhill" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "things went downhill" may be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives to maintain a polished tone.