Differences between bring down and drag down
Bring down usually means to cause something or someone to fall or reduce in status, while drag down generally means to lower the quality or reputation of something or someone.
Meanings and Definitions: bring down vs drag down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Bring down
- 1Make a government fall.
The vote of no - confidence BROUGHT the government DOWN.
- 2Make something cheaper.
The improvements in technology have BROUGHT the prices of computers DOWN considerably in recent months.
Drag down
- 1To lower someone's mood or bring someone down to a lower level.
Don’t let yourself be dragged down to his level.
- 2To make someone feel sad or depressed.
I don’t mean to drag you down with all my problems.
- 3To cause someone to become worse or less successful.
If you’re not careful he’ll end up dragging you down with him.
Usage Examples: bring down, drag down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
bring down
Example
The scandal could bring down the entire company.
Example
She brings down the house with her amazing singing.
drag down
Example
Don't let negative thoughts drag you down.
Example
His constant complaining drags down the whole team.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bring down
To reduce the level or amount of something.
Example
The company decided to lower the prices of their products to attract more customers.
To make someone feel sad or discouraged.
Example
The news of her friend's death depressed her for weeks.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drag down
bring down the reputation of
To damage or harm someone's reputation or image.
Example
The scandal brought down the reputation of the politician and he lost the election.
To damage or spoil the good name or reputation of something or someone.
Example
The company's unethical practices tarnished its reputation in the market.
To make something or someone less important or valuable.
Example
The lack of funding diminished the quality of education in the school.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “bring”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in bring down vs drag down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: bring down or drag down?
In daily conversation, people use bring down more often than drag down. This is because bring down is used for more physical actions such as bringing down a wall or bringing down a person's mood. Drag down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about lowering the quality or reputation of something or someone. So, while both phrases are used, bring down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bring down and drag down
Bring down and drag 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 bring down and drag down
The tone of bring down and drag down can differ based on context. Bring down often carries a negative or sad tone when related to mood or physical objects, while drag down typically has a critical or judgmental tone, especially when referring to lowering the quality or reputation of something or someone.
