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
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Fly down
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
56 human-written examples
I fly down as often as possible.
News & Media
Now he can fly down in less than 2 hours.
News & Media
We could fly down to Absurdistan next week.
News & Media
A Hollywood star would fly down on a jet.
News & Media
They're due to fly down to Rio tonight.
News & Media
"It was cheaper to fly down here," he said.
News & Media
Mr. Sanders asks to fly down the river.
News & Media
"Did the plane fly down over the park?" "Maybe the park, maybe the river," she said.
News & Media
I spent the morning up in the mountains watching snowboarders fly down a slope.
News & Media
One verse in particular stood out: Sparrow, won't you fly down south by me?
News & Media
"I had to pay for a friend to fly down and drive me there.
News & Media
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".
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.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
descend rapidly
Emphasizes the speed and downward motion, similar to "fly down", but without the explicit reference to flying.
plummet downward
Suggests a more forceful and uncontrolled descent compared to "fly down".
drop swiftly
Focuses on the quickness of the descent, without necessarily implying flight.
dive down
Implies a steep, headfirst descent, often used for birds or aircraft.
swoop down
Suggests a graceful and sudden descent, often associated with birds of prey.
glide down
Emphasizes a smooth and controlled descent, as opposed to a rapid one.
More alternative expressions(6)
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.
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.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested