Differences between be down and go down
Be down usually means to be willing or available to do something, while go down generally means to decrease or descend.
Meanings and Definitions: be down vs go down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Be down
- 1Be depressed.
He's BEEN DOWN since his partner left him.
- 2Be reduced or less.
The firm's profits ARE DOWN by ten percent this quarter.
Go down
- 1Decrease, get smaller.
The price of scanners has GONE DOWN recently.
- 2Sink.
The Titanic WENT DOWN after it hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage.
- 3Sunset.
The sun WENT DOWN at seven o'clock.
- 4Be sent to to prison.
He WENT DOWN for ten years for armed robbery.
- 5Become recorded as or known as.
It WENT DOWN as the worst day in the history of the company.
- 6Be eaten or swallowed.
The medicine WENT DOWN easily.
- 7Fall to the ground.
The boxer WENT DOWN in the second round.
- 8Happen, take place.
The police thought that a big crime was GOING DOWN that night.
- 9Stop working, especially computers.
The computer system WENT DOWN for an hour last night.
- 10Become dimmer.
The lights WENT DOWN and the audience stopped talking.
- 11Be received by people, in terms of their reaction.
My joke WENT DOWN very badly.
Usage Examples: be down, go down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
be down
Example
She is down because she didn't get the job.
Example
He is down after his team lost the game.
go down
Example
The temperature will go down tonight.
Example
The sun goes down at around 8 pm during summer.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be down
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To decrease or fall in amount, level, or value.
Example
The temperature dropped significantly overnight.
To decrease or decline in quantity, quality, or value.
Example
The company's profits fell by 20% this quarter.
To move or go down from a higher to a lower level or position.
Example
The hikers had to descend a steep hill to reach the lake.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “be”
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
- burn down
- shoot down
- scale down
- wind down
- lash down
Differences in be down vs go down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: be down or go down?
In daily conversation, people use go down more often than be down. This is because go down is used for more daily tasks and routines such as temperature, prices, or physical movement. Be down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about someone's willingness or availability to do something. So, while both phrases are used, go down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of be down and go down
Be down and go down are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of be down and go down
The tone of be down and go down can differ based on context. Be down often carries a friendly or enthusiastic tone when related to willingness or availability, while go down typically has a neutral or negative tone, especially when referring to a decrease or decline.
be down & go down: Synonyms and Antonyms
Be down
Synonyms
- feel sad
- be depressed
- be unhappy
- be upset
- be low
- be disheartened
Antonyms
- be happy
- be cheerful
- be elated
- be joyful
- be content
- be satisfied
