to step down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to step down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone resigns from a position of authority or responsibility, often in a formal context. Example: "After years of dedicated service, the CEO announced her decision to step down from her position at the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To step down?

The New Yorker

He needs to step down.

The New York Times

"Two top officials had to step down.

The New York Times

Mr. Suarez, 43, refused to step down.

The New York Times

Mr. Kurien has refused to step down.

The New York Times

However, he refused to step down.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The decision to step down was his.

The New York Times

I will have to step down".

BBC

"He agreed to step down.

The Guardian - Business

I'm just not willing to step down.

The New York Times

Why would he want to step down?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a leader's departure, consider the context and choose the most appropriate synonym. "To resign" is a direct alternative, while "to retire" implies the end of a career.

Common error

Avoid using "to step down" in highly informal contexts where a more casual phrase like "to quit" or "to leave" would be more appropriate. "To step down" has a degree of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to step down" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of resigning or leaving a position, often one of authority or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse sources, highlighting its role in describing transitions in leadership and organizational roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to step down" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of resigning or leaving a position, especially one of authority. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears frequently in news articles, business reports, and encyclopedic entries. This confirms its usage in neutral to formal contexts. While alternatives like "to resign" and "to leave office" exist, "to step down" maintains a specific connotation of a planned and official departure. Avoiding it in informal settings and understanding its formal implications will ensure its appropriate use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to resign

Indicates a formal act of leaving a position or office.

to leave office

A straightforward way of saying someone is exiting their position.

to relinquish office

A more formal and emphatic way of saying to leave an official position.

to vacate one's post

Emphasizes the act of leaving a specific duty or station.

to retire

Suggests leaving a position, often after a long career.

to give up the reins

Implies giving up control or leadership.

to cede power

Highlights the act of surrendering authority or control.

to hand over responsibility

Focuses on the transfer of duties to another person.

to abdicate

Suggests a formal renunciation of a high office, like a throne.

to bow out

An informal way of saying someone is leaving a position, often voluntarily.

FAQs

What does "to step down" mean?

The phrase "to step down" means to resign or leave a position of authority or responsibility. It's commonly used in formal contexts to describe someone's departure from a job, role, or office.

What can I say instead of "to step down"?

You can use alternatives like "to resign", "to leave office", or "to relinquish office" depending on the context.

Is "to step down" formal or informal?

"To step down" is generally considered a formal phrase used in professional or official contexts. While not overly stiff, it's more appropriate for news articles, business reports, and official announcements than casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "to step down"?

It's appropriate to use "to step down" when referring to someone in a position of authority—such as a CEO, politician, or director—who is voluntarily leaving their role. It often implies a planned or official departure.