walk down

USAGE SUMMARY

"walk down" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the movement of an object or person downwards or to mean a decline, e.g. "Sales figures have been steadily walking down in the last few months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Walk down there.

The New Yorker

"Let's walk down in our swimsuits".

The New Yorker

They tried to walk down the middle.

The New York Times

"He helps you walk down the mountain".

The New York Times

We could walk down there with you".

The New Yorker

I walk down to the waterfront.

Independent

She continued to walk down 35th Street.

The New York Times

We usually walk down into Greenwich Village.

The New York Times

Instagram too will walk down that road.

The New York Times

We walk down to the pier.

Independent

"Let's walk down this one, boy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "walk down" to describe a literal downward movement on a path or surface, but also consider its figurative use to indicate a decline or progression through a process.

Common error

Avoid using "walk down" in contexts where a more precise verb like "decline", "decrease", or "recede" would better convey the intended meaning of a downward trend.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "walk down" primarily functions as a verb of motion, indicating the act of moving downwards or along a specific path. Ludwig provides numerous examples, demonstrating this usage in various contexts, from literally walking down a street to figuratively following a certain course.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "walk down" is a versatile phrasal verb frequently used to describe movement in a downward direction or progression along a path. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage spans from literal descriptions, like someone walking down a street, to more figurative senses, such as following a particular course of action. While its register is generally neutral, remember to choose more precise verbs when a simple 'downward movement' is not exactly your aim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go down

A simpler, more general way to indicate downward movement.

move down

A broader term that can encompass various methods of downward movement.

descend

Expresses a more formal or direct downward movement compared to "walk down".

step down

Implies a deliberate action of moving downward, often in a series of steps.

proceed down

A more formal way of saying "walk down", often used in instructions or directions.

stroll down

Suggests a leisurely pace while moving downward or along a path.

advance down

Emphasizes forward progress while moving downward.

amble down

Similar to stroll, but with a more relaxed and unhurried connotation.

traverse down

Implies crossing or navigating a downward slope or path.

pass down

Can refer to literally walking down something. However, in the non-literal sense it indicates something being given to a person of lower status.

FAQs

How can I use "walk down" in a sentence?

You can use "walk down" to describe physical movement, as in "I "walk down the street"". It can also describe a process or decline, such as "Instagram too will "walk down that road"".

What are some alternatives to "walk down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "descend", "go down", or "step down".

Is "walk down" formal or informal?

"Walk down" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as shown by its presence in news articles and casual conversations.

When is it appropriate to use "walk down" figuratively?

Use "walk down" figuratively when describing a path or progression, especially one that implies a step-by-step process or a gradual decline, as in "walk down memory lane".