Differences between come down and go down
Come down usually means to move from a higher place to a lower place, or to reduce the intensity of something, whereas go down generally means to move from a higher place to a lower place, or to decrease in quantity, quality, or importance.
Meanings and Definitions: come down vs go down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Come down
- 1Rain.
Just look at the rain COMING DOWN! I'm not going out in that.
- 2Travel.
When you're next in London, COME DOWN and see us.
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: come down, go down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
come down
Example
The rain started to come down heavily.
Example
When the snow comes down, the roads become slippery.
go down
Example
The temperature will go down tonight.
Example
The sun goes down at around 8 pm during summer.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come down
To move from a higher place to a lower place in a controlled or gradual manner.
Example
The airplane started to descend as it approached the airport runway.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To become less in quantity, quality, or intensity.
Example
The temperature is expected to decrease tomorrow, so bring a jacket.
To move from a higher place to a lower place, especially in water.
Example
The boat started to sink after hitting a rock in the river.
To become smaller or less important over time.
Example
The company's profits have diminished since the pandemic started.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “come”
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in come down vs go down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: come down or go down?
In daily conversation, people use go down more often than come down. This is because go down is used for more daily tasks and routines such as going downstairs or reducing prices. Come down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about someone coming to visit or when something falls from a higher place. So, while both phrases are used, go down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of come down and go down
Come 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 come down and go down
The tone of come down and go down can differ based on context. Come down often carries a friendly or welcoming tone when related to visiting or arriving, while go down typically has a neutral or negative tone, especially when referring to decreasing quality or importance.
