Differences between bear down and turn down
Bear down usually means to focus and work hard on a task or to apply pressure, while turn down generally means to reject or refuse something.
Meanings and Definitions: bear down vs turn down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Bear down
- 1To approach quickly and forcefully.
I could see a police car bearing down on us.
- 2To exert pressure or force.
It’s a natural instinct for a woman giving birth to bear down.
- 3To put pressure or weight on someone or something.
These two things seemed to bear down on me with all the weight of a personal failure.
Turn down
- 1Reduce volume, temperature, etc..
The room was too hot, so she TURNED the heating DOWN.
- 2Reject an offer, invitation, etc..
They offered her the job, but she TURNED it DOWN.
- 3Fold the top covers of a bed down to make it ready for someone to go to sleep.
The hotel staff TURNED DOWN the bed and scattered flower petals on it while we was having dinner.
Usage Examples: bear down, turn down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
bear down
Example
When lifting heavy objects, it's important to bear down and use your legs.
Example
She bears down on the pencil when she writes, causing it to break easily.
turn down
Example
Please turn down the music; it's too loud.
Example
She always turns down the heat before going to bed.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bear down
put one's nose to the grindstone
To work hard and diligently on a task or project.
Example
She had to put her nose to the grindstone to finish the project before the deadline.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn down
To refuse or decline an offer or invitation.
Example
She had to reject the job offer because it didn't align with her career goals.
decline
To politely refuse or say no to an offer or invitation.
Example
He had to decline the dinner invitation because he was already busy that night.
To say no or decline an offer or request.
Example
The company had to refuse the proposal because it didn't meet their requirements.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “bear”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in bear down vs turn down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: bear down or turn down?
In daily conversation, people use turn down more often than bear down. This is because turn down is used for more common situations such as rejecting an offer or turning down the volume. Bear down is not used as much. It's mainly used in specific contexts such as sports or childbirth. So, while both phrases are used, turn down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bear down and turn down
Bear down and turn 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 bear down and turn down
The tone of bear down and turn down can differ based on context. Bear down often carries a determined or intense tone when related to working hard or applying pressure, while turn down typically has a polite or apologetic tone, especially when referring to rejecting an offer or invitation.
