Phrasal verbs "be down on" vs "be down with"

Differences between be down on and be down with

The main difference between be down on and be down with is that be down on means to have a negative opinion or attitude towards something or someone, while be down with means to be in agreement with or supportive of something.

Meanings and Definitions: be down on vs be down with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Be down on

• 1. Have negative feelings toward someone.

  After the argument, James is DOWN ON his boss.

Be down with

• 1. Be ill.

  Gul is DOWN WITH some bug and is off work today.

Usage Examples: be down on, be down with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

be down on

Example

She is down on her coworker after the disagreement.

Example

He is down on his friend for not helping him.

be down with

Example

She is down with the flu and cannot come to the party.

Example

He is down with a cold and needs to rest.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be down on

have a negative attitude

To hold a pessimistic or unfavorable view towards something or someone.

Example

She's always having a negative attitude towards new ideas and changes in the workplace.

disapprove of

To express or feel disapproval or dissatisfaction towards something or someone.

Example

Her parents disapprove of her choice to pursue a career in the arts instead of medicine.

look down on

To regard someone or something as inferior or less important.

Example

He looks down on people who don't share his political views and beliefs.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be down with

be on board with

To be in agreement with or supportive of an idea or plan.

Example

After discussing the proposal with the team, everyone was on board with the new marketing strategy.

be in favor of

To support or approve of something.

Example

The majority of the committee members were in favor of increasing the budget for the project.

be keen on

To be enthusiastic or interested in something.

Example

She's keen on learning new languages and has already mastered four of them.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “be”

• be along
• be up
• be in
• be snowed under
• be cut out for

Phrasal Verbs with “down on”

• kip down on
• look down on
• clamp down on
• weigh down on
• crack down on

Phrasal Verbs with “down with”

• go down with
• come down with

Differences in be down on vs be down with: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: be down on or be down with?

In everyday conversation, be down with is more common than be down on. Be down with is often used to express enthusiasm or agreement with an idea or activity, while be down on is less frequently used and usually conveys a negative attitude.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of be down on and be down with

Be down on and be down with are informal phrases commonly 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 on and be down with

The tone of be down on and be down with can differ based on context. Be down on often carries a critical or disapproving tone, while be down with typically has a positive and supportive tone.

be down on & be down with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Be down on

Synonyms

• dislike
• disapprove of
• resent
• hold a grudge against
• be critical of
• be unhappy with

Antonyms

• like
• praise
• support
• approve of
• be happy with
• be positive about

Be down with

Synonyms

• have
• be ill
• be sick
• suffer from
• be afflicted with

Antonyms

• recover
• heal
• be healthy
• be well
• get better