Help center

Phrasal verbs "bring down" vs "shoot down"

Differences between bring down and shoot down

Bring down usually means to lower something or someone physically or emotionally, whereas shoot down generally means to cause something to fall or fail, often by attacking or criticizing it.

Meanings and Definitions: bring down vs shoot 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.

Shoot down

  • 1To reject or defeat something decisively.

    Each proposal was shot down in flames.

  • 2To cause something to fall by shooting at it.

    The airliner was shot down by mistake.

Usage Examples: bring down, shoot 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.

shoot down

Example

She tried to shoot down his argument during the debate.

Example

He always shoots down any new ideas during meetings.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bring down

lower the volume

To reduce the loudness or intensity of sound.

Example

Can you lower the volume of the TV? It's too loud.

depress one's mood

To make someone feel sad or unhappy.

Example

The rainy weather always brings me down and makes me feel gloomy.

reduce the price

To make something less expensive.

Example

The store decided to bring down the prices of their products to attract more customers.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shoot down

reject an idea

To refuse or dismiss an idea or proposal.

Example

The board shot down his proposal for a new marketing strategy.

criticize harshly

To express strong disapproval or condemnation towards someone or something.

Example

The movie critics shot down the director's latest film, calling it a complete disaster.

bring to a halt

To stop or end something abruptly.

Example

The sudden power outage brought the concert to a halt, leaving the audience disappointed.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: bring down or shoot down?

In daily conversation, people use bring down more often than shoot down. This is because bring down is used for more everyday tasks and routines such as lowering the volume or mood. Shoot down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about causing something to fail or criticizing an idea. So, while both phrases are used, bring down is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Bring down and shoot 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 shoot down

The tone of bring down and shoot down can differ based on context. Bring down often carries a sympathetic or empathetic tone when related to emotions or physical objects, while shoot down typically has a critical or aggressive tone, especially when referring to ideas or proposals.

bring down & shoot down: Synonyms and Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!