Phrasal verbs "drag down" vs "pull down"

Differences between drag down and pull down

Drag down usually means to lower someone's mood, energy, or reputation, whereas pull down generally means to physically bring something down or demolish it.

Meanings and Definitions: drag down vs pull down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

Pull down

  • 1Demolish.

    They PULLED the old cinema DOWN to build a new shopping mall.

  • 2Make someone depressed.

    Losing her job PULLED her DOWN.

  • 3Earn.

    He's PULLING DOWN a fortune.

Usage Examples: drag down, pull down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

drag down

Example

Don't let negative thoughts drag you down.

Example

His constant complaining drags down the whole team.

pull down

Example

The city decided to pull down the abandoned factory.

Example

She pulls down the old posters from her wall.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drag down

bring down

To cause someone's mood or energy to become low or depressed.

Example

The constant criticism from her boss was starting to bring her down.

To decrease the level of enthusiasm or motivation among a group of people.

Example

The team's recent losses had lowered the morale of the players and coaches.

To create a negative or unpleasant atmosphere that affects someone or something.

Example

The scandal had cast a shadow over the company's reputation and future prospects.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pull down

To destroy or tear down a building or structure.

Example

The city council decided to demolish the old factory to make way for a new park.

To remove or bring something to a lower position or level.

Example

Can you help me take down the decorations after the party?

bring to the ground

To physically lower or destroy something, especially a building or structure.

Example

The earthquake brought several buildings to the ground and caused widespread damage.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “drag”

Differences in drag down vs pull down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: drag down or pull down?

In daily conversation, people use pull down more often than drag down. This is because pull down is used for more physical actions such as bringing down a building or taking something off a shelf. Drag down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about lowering someone's mood or reputation. So, while both phrases are used, pull down is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of drag down and pull down

Drag down and pull 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 drag down and pull down

The tone of drag down and pull down can differ based on context. Drag down often carries a negative or critical tone when related to someone's reputation or mood, while pull down typically has a practical and physical tone, especially when referring to removing objects or demolishing structures.

drag down & pull down: Synonyms and Antonyms

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