Differences between go down and go on
Go down usually means to move or travel to a lower level or to decrease in value or quantity, whereas go on generally means to continue or proceed with an action or event.
Meanings and Definitions: go down vs go on
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Go on
- 1Continue.
He WENT ON and ON talking and I was so bored.
- 2Happen.
There are loads of people out in the street; what's GOING ON?
- 3Start doing or taking something.
She WENT ON the pill when she met him.
- 4Be guided.
The investigators have no clues to GO ON.
- 5Be nearly a certain period of time.
It's GOING ON ten years since we met.
- 6Progress.
They asked me how the project was GOING ON.
- 7Spend money.
Most of my salary GOES ON my mortgage repayments.
- 8Start working ( electric / electronic equipment ).
The alarm GOES ON when you close the front door.
Usage Examples: go down, go on in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
go down
Example
The temperature will go down tonight.
Example
The sun goes down at around 8 pm during summer.
go on
Example
Please go on with your story, I'm listening.
Example
She goes on about her problems all the time.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To move or travel downwards from a higher level or position.
Example
The hikers had to descend the steep mountain trail carefully to avoid any injuries.
To decrease or reduce in value, quantity, or quality.
Example
The temperature is expected to drop significantly tonight, so make sure to wear warm clothes.
To move or fall downwards into a lower level or position.
Example
The ship started to sink after hitting an iceberg, and all passengers had to evacuate immediately.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go on
To proceed with an action or event without interruption or delay.
Example
Please continue with your presentation, and I'll ask questions at the end.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in go down vs go on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go down or go on?
In daily conversation, people use go on more often than go down. This is because go on is used for more common situations such as continuing a conversation or event. Go down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about descending or decreasing something. So, while both phrases are used, go on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go down and go on
Go down and go on 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 go down and go on
The tone of go down and go on can differ based on context. Go down often carries a serious or negative tone when related to a decrease or descent, while go on typically has a positive and encouraging tone, especially when referring to continuing an event or activity.
