Differences between go down and go under
While both go down and go under can mean to move from a higher position to a lower one, go down is more commonly used to describe a decrease in something (e.g. temperature, prices, mood), while go under is often used to describe a situation where someone or something fails or collapses.
Meanings and Definitions: go down vs go under
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 under
- 1Go bankrupt.
Many small shops are GOING UNDER because they cannot compete with the supermarkets.
- 2Lose consciousness.
She WENT UNDER a few minutes after they administered the anaesthetic.
- 3Sink.
The ship WENT UNDER in a heavy storm.
Usage Examples: go down, go under 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 under
Example
Many small businesses go under because they cannot compete with larger companies.
Example
The small shop goes under due to the lack of customers.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To decrease or fall in amount, value, or level.
Example
The temperature is expected to drop significantly tonight.
To move downward or descend below the surface of a liquid or soft substance.
Example
The boat began to sink after hitting a rock.
To experience a sudden and significant decrease in value, quality, or performance.
Example
The company's sales slumped after the new product launch failed to meet expectations.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go under
To be unsuccessful or not achieve a desired outcome.
Example
The restaurant failed to attract enough customers and had to close down.
To break down or give way suddenly, often due to pressure or stress.
Example
The bridge collapsed under the weight of the heavy truck.
To fail to fulfill an obligation or repay a debt.
Example
The company defaulted on its loan and had to declare bankruptcy.
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 “under”
Differences in go down vs go under: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go down or go under?
In everyday conversation, go down is more common than go under. Go down is used in a variety of contexts, such as describing the weather, sports scores, or moods. Go under is less common and is usually used in more specific contexts, such as business or finance.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go down and go under
Go down and go under are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, go under may be used in more formal settings, such as business or finance, to describe a company or organization's financial situation.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of go down and go under
The tone of go down and go under can differ based on context. Go down often has a neutral or negative tone when referring to a decrease in something, while go under typically has a negative or dramatic tone, especially when referring to a company or organization's failure.
