Differences between go down and go to
Go down usually means to move or travel to a lower level or to decrease in value or quantity, whereas go to generally means to move or travel to a specific place or to start doing something.
Meanings and Definitions: go down vs go to
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 to
- 1Allocate money.
About half of my income GOES TO pay the mortgage.
Usage Examples: go down, go to 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 to
Example
A large portion of my salary goes to paying bills.
Example
A significant part of his income goes to rent.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To become smaller or less in quantity, size, or value.
Example
The temperature is expected to decrease by ten degrees tonight.
To move or travel downward from a higher level or altitude.
Example
The hikers had to descend a steep mountain to reach the campsite.
To move or fall downward into a lower position or level.
Example
The boat started to sink after hitting a rock in the river.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go to
head to
To move or travel towards a specific place or destination.
Example
We need to head to the airport soon if we want to catch our flight.
To begin doing something or engaging in an activity.
Example
Let's start the meeting by reviewing the agenda and goals.
To begin or start something formally or ceremoniously.
Example
The graduation ceremony will commence with the national anthem and speeches.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Phrasal Verbs with “to”
Differences in go down vs go to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go down or go to?
In daily conversation, people use go to more often than go down. This is because go to is used for more common activities such as going to work, school, or the store. 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 to is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go down and go to
Go down and go to 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 to
The tone of go down and go to can differ based on context. Go down often carries a serious or negative tone when related to decreasing or descending, while go to typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to going to a specific place or starting an activity.
