Differences between go down and go up
Go down usually means to move or travel to a lower level or decrease in value, while go up generally means to move or travel to a higher level or increase in value.
Meanings and Definitions: go down vs go up
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 up
- 1Rise or climb.
The price of petrol has GONE UP sharply because of the increase in duty in the Government's budget.
- 2Approach.
We WENT UP and asked them for some information about the courses.
- 3Be built.
Skyscrapers are GOING UP everywhere in the city centre.
- 4Be heard.
A huge cheer WENT UP when the president arrived.
- 5Be promoted.
The top three teams GO UP at the end of the season.
Usage Examples: go down, go up 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 up
Example
The price of bread goes up every year.
Example
The temperature goes up in the summer.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To become less in quantity, size, or intensity.
Example
The temperature is expected to decrease by 10 degrees tonight.
To fall or decline in value, amount, or quality.
Example
The stock market dropped significantly after the announcement of the new tax policy.
To descend or go below the surface of water or other liquid.
Example
The boat started to sink after hitting a rock in the river.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go up
To become more in quantity, size, or intensity.
Example
The company's profits have increased by 20% this quarter.
To move upward or ascend to a higher position or level.
Example
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
To go upward or ascend gradually or with effort.
Example
She had to climb three flights of stairs to get to her apartment.
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 “up”
Differences in go down vs go up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go down or go up?
In daily conversation, people use go up more often than go down. This is because go up is used for more positive situations such as promotions, prices, and temperatures. Go down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about negative situations like falling prices or decreasing temperatures. So, while both phrases are used, go up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go down and go up
Go down and go up 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 up
The tone of go down and go up can differ based on context. Go down often carries a negative or disappointed tone when related to prices or moods, while go up typically has a positive and excited tone, especially when referring to promotions or temperatures.
