Differences between get down and go down
Get down usually means to physically lower oneself or something else to a lower position, whereas go down generally means to move from a higher place to a lower place.
Meanings and Definitions: get down vs go down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Get down
- 1Make someone depressed, unhappy, exhausted, etc..
The miserable weather in winter really GETS me DOWN.
- 2Write, record.
I couldn't GET DOWN everything he said.
- 3Manage to swallow.
The medicine tasted horrible and it was difficult to GET it DOWN.
- 4Descend, leave a vehicle.
The trained pulled in and we GOT DOWN.
- 5Leave the table after eating.
When they had finished dinner, the children asked if they could GET DOWN.
- 6Reduce.
The doctor says I my GET my cholesterol levels DOWN.
- 7Have an affair or sexual relations.
They GOT DOWN at the party last week.
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: get down, go down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
get down
Example
She needs to get down from the tree before she falls.
Example
He gets down from the ladder carefully.
go down
Example
The temperature will go down tonight.
Example
The sun goes down at around 8 pm during summer.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get down
bring down
To lower something or someone from a higher position to a lower one.
Example
He asked his friend to help him bring down the heavy box from the top shelf.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To move from a higher place to a lower place.
Example
The hikers had to descend the steep mountain trail carefully.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in get down vs go down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get down or go down?
In daily conversation, people use go down more often than get down. This is because go down is used for more common actions such as descending stairs or going to a lower floor. Get down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about physically lowering oneself or something else. So, while both phrases are used, go down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get down and go down
Get 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 get down and go down
The tone of get down and go down can differ based on context. Get down often carries a physical or urgent tone when related to lowering oneself or something else, while go down typically has a neutral or matter-of-fact tone, especially when referring to descending stairs or going to a lower floor.
