Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

Fly down

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fly down' is correct and can be used in written English
It means to descend or to move downwards quickly and smoothly, often referring to an airplane or bird in flight. It can also be used figuratively to mean to come down or decrease rapidly. Example: "The pilot announced that we would soon fly down to our final destination." "Watching the birds fly down towards the trees was a beautiful sight." "The stock prices began to fly down as news of the company's bankruptcy spread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I fly down as often as possible.

News & Media

Independent

Now he can fly down in less than 2 hours.

News & Media

The New Yorker

We could fly down to Absurdistan next week.

News & Media

The New Yorker

A Hollywood star would fly down on a jet.

They're due to fly down to Rio tonight.

"It was cheaper to fly down here," he said.

Mr. Sanders asks to fly down the river.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Did the plane fly down over the park?" "Maybe the park, maybe the river," she said.

News & Media

The New Yorker

I spent the morning up in the mountains watching snowboarders fly down a slope.

News & Media

The New Yorker

One verse in particular stood out: Sparrow, won't you fly down south by me?

News & Media

The New York Times

"I had to pay for a friend to fly down and drive me there.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When using "fly down" to describe travel, ensure it accurately reflects the mode of transportation, specifically by air. Avoid using it metaphorically if the context implies a different means of descent, such as driving or sailing.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "fly down" when describing emotional states or abstract declines. Instead of saying "His mood flew down", opt for more appropriate phrases like "His mood plummeted" or "He became despondent".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fly down" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of descending through the air. As Ludwig AI confirms, this often applies to airplanes or birds. Examples include "They're due to fly down to Rio tonight" and "A Hollywood star would fly down on a jet."

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fly down" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes a downward aerial movement, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's particularly common in news and media contexts. The phrase functions to report the action of descending, conveying information about travel or movement from a higher to a lower position. While primarily neutral in register, ensuring accuracy and avoiding overuse in metaphorical senses are key to effective writing. Related phrases like "descend rapidly" offer alternatives, while being mindful of the specific nuance that you want to convey to your readers.

FAQs

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

You can use "fly down" to describe the movement of aircraft, birds, or even objects descending rapidly. For example, "The eagle watched its prey before it "swooped down" to catch the fish."

What are some alternatives to "fly down"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "descend rapidly", "plummet downward", or "dive down". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "fly down" metaphorically?

While it's acceptable to use "fly down" metaphorically, ensure the context is clear and the imagery aligns with the intended meaning. Overusing it in abstract contexts can lead to confusion. More precise terms such as "decline sharply" or "drop suddenly" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "fly down" and "come down"?

"Fly down" specifically implies aerial movement, typically involving wings or aircraft. "Come down" is more general and can refer to any downward movement, regardless of the means of descent.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: