Differences between bring down and put down
Bring down usually means to lower something or someone physically or metaphorically, whereas put down generally means to place something or someone in a specific location or to criticize someone in a rude or insulting way.
Meanings and Definitions: bring down vs put 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.
Put down
- 1Kill an animal because it's old, ill, etc..
He had his dog PUT DOWN because it was in a lot of pain from its tumours.
- 2Stop holding ( but withdraw support gently ).
PUT the gun DOWN slowly and keep your hands where I can see them.
Usage Examples: bring down, put 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.
put down
Example
Please put down your bags on the floor.
Example
She puts down her phone when she's talking to someone.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bring down
To decrease the height or position of something or someone.
Example
He had to lower his voice to avoid waking up the baby.
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 less important, valuable, or impressive.
Example
The scandal diminished his reputation and credibility in the industry.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put down
To put something in a specific location or position.
Example
She placed the vase on the table carefully to avoid breaking it.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “bring”
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
- knock down
- shake down
- go down
- bog down
- swear down
Differences in bring down vs put down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: bring down or put down?
In daily conversation, people use put down more often than bring down. This is because put down is used for more daily tasks and routines such as putting down a book or putting down a cup. Bring down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about lowering something or someone. So, while both phrases are used, put down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bring down and put down
Bring down and put 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 put down
The tone of bring down and put down can differ based on context. Bring down often carries a neutral or positive tone when related to lowering something, while put down typically has a negative or insulting tone, especially when referring to criticizing someone.
