went downhill

USAGE SUMMARY

"went downhill" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that can generally be used to describe a situation or quality that has gotten worse or is deteriorating in some way. For example, "The company's performance went downhill after the CEO was fired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It went downhill quickly".

The New York Times - Sports

Sadly it went downhill.

Independent

It went downhill from there".

The New York Times

I went downhill.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Things went downhill quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Things went downhill fast.

The Guardian - Books

Things went downhill from there.

The New York Times

Tessa went downhill fast.

The New Yorker

She only went downhill afterwards".

The Guardian

But things went downhill in 2006.

The New York Times - Health

From there, things actually went downhill.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went downhill" to describe situations where a clear decline is evident, providing context to explain the nature and extent of the deterioration.

Common error

Avoid using "went downhill" when the situation only involves a minor setback or temporary issue. This phrase implies a significant and often irreversible deterioration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went downhill" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes a process of decline or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "went downhill" is a common and acceptable way to describe a decline or deterioration, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's most frequently used in news and media contexts to indicate that a situation has worsened. While grammatically sound, users should be mindful of the intensity it conveys, reserving it for situations involving significant decline. Consider alternatives like "deteriorated" or "declined" for more formal settings. Remember to provide sufficient context to clarify the specific nature of the decline when using "went downhill".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorated

Describes a gradual worsening, often in quality or condition.

declined

Indicates a decrease or reduction in something, such as performance or health.

worsened

Suggests that something has become more severe or unpleasant.

took a turn for the worse

Implies a sudden and negative change in circumstances.

spiraled downward

Conveys a sense of rapid and uncontrolled decline.

degenerated

Highlights a decline in moral or physical qualities.

crumbled

Suggests a breakdown or collapse of something, like a plan or relationship.

plummeted

Indicates a steep and rapid fall, either literally or figuratively.

slipped

Implies a gradual and subtle decline.

regressed

Signifies a return to a former, less developed state.

FAQs

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

You can use "went downhill" to describe a situation that deteriorated. For example, "After the company lost its biggest client, things "went downhill" quickly."

What are some alternatives to "went downhill"?

Alternatives include "deteriorated", "declined", or "worsened" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "went downhill" in formal writing?

While "went downhill" is widely understood, more formal alternatives like "declined" or "deteriorated" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts. The suitability depends on the tone and audience.

What's the difference between "went downhill" and "improved"?

"Went downhill" describes a negative progression or decline, while "improved" indicates a positive change or betterment. They are antonyms representing opposite directions of change.