Differences between get down and run down
Get down usually means to crouch or lower oneself to the ground, while run down generally means to criticize or speak negatively about someone or something.
Meanings and Definitions: get down vs run 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.
Run down
- 1Hit a pedestrian with a vehicle.
The minicab RAN him DOWN on the zebra crossing.
- 2Lose energy or power.
You should only recharge the battery when it has fully RUN DOWN.
- 3Criticise, disparage.
They're always RUNNING me DOWN and I am sick and tired of it.
- 4Find the source or origin of something.
The police RAN DOWN all the leads they had and caught them.
Usage Examples: get down, run 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.
run down
Example
My phone battery always runs down quickly when I use it a lot.
Example
His energy runs down quickly when he doesn't get enough sleep.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get down
To bend one's body and lower it closer to the ground.
Example
She had to crouch to get through the small doorway.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run down
To express disapproval or negative comments about someone or something.
Example
She always criticizes her coworkers behind their backs.
To speak negatively or maliciously about someone or something.
Example
He's always badmouthing his ex-girlfriend to anyone who will listen.
To criticize harshly or attack verbally.
Example
The movie critic slammed the new blockbuster for its lack of originality.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “run”
- run off
- run around
- run across
- run up
- run through
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in get down vs run down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get down or run down?
In daily conversation, people use run down more often than get down. This is because run down is used to express opinions or evaluations of people, places, or things. Get down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about physical actions like crouching or descending. So, while both phrases are used, run down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get down and run down
Get down and run 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 run down
The tone of get down and run down can differ based on context. Get down often carries a playful or adventurous tone when related to physical actions, while run down typically has a critical or negative tone, especially when referring to evaluating people or things.
