Phrasal verbs "bring down" vs "go down"

Differences between bring down and go down

Bring down usually means to cause something or someone to fall or to reduce the level of something, whereas go down generally means to move or descend from a higher place to a lower one.

Meanings and Definitions: bring down vs go 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.

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: bring down, go 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.

go down

Example

The temperature will go down tonight.

Example

The sun goes down at around 8 pm during summer.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bring down

To cause something to fall or collapse by hitting it or striking it forcefully.

Example

The strong winds knocked down several trees in the park.

To make something smaller or less in size, amount, or degree.

Example

The company decided to reduce the number of employees to cut costs.

To make something go down or become less in height, level, or value.

Example

The teacher asked the students to lower their voices during the exam.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down

To move or go down from a higher place to a lower one.

Example

The hikers had to descend a steep mountain to reach the campsite.

To fall or move down suddenly or quickly.

Example

The temperature dropped significantly overnight, and it started snowing in the morning.

To move or go down below the surface of a liquid or soft substance.

Example

The boat started to sink after hitting a rock in the middle of the lake.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “go”

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

Differences in bring down vs go down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: bring down or go down?

In daily conversation, people use go down more often than bring down. This is because go down is used for more common actions such as descending stairs or going to a lower floor. Bring down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about reducing something or causing something to fall. So, while both phrases are used, go down is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bring down and go down

Bring 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 bring down and go down

The tone of bring down and go down can differ based on context. Bring down often carries a negative or destructive tone when related to causing something to fall or reducing something, while go down typically has a neutral or descriptive tone, especially when referring to movement or descent.

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