Phrasal verbs "go down" vs "move down"

Differences between go down and move down

Go down usually means to descend or move to a lower level or position, whereas move down generally means to physically shift something to a lower position.

Meanings and Definitions: go down vs move down

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.

Move down

  • 1Move a student to a lower level.

    He was finding the course too difficult so they MOVED him DOWN.

Usage Examples: go down, move down 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.

move down

Example

The teacher decided to move the student down to a lower level.

Example

She moves down students who are struggling with the material.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down

To move from a higher to a lower level or position.

Example

We had to descend several flights of stairs to get to the basement.

To move one's body to a lower position or level.

Example

He had to lower himself to reach the bottom shelf of the bookcase.

To fall or move suddenly to a lower position or level.

Example

The temperature dropped down to freezing overnight.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Move down

shift downwards

To move something to a lower position or level.

Example

She had to shift the boxes downwards to make room for the new ones.

bring down

To move something to a lower position or level.

Example

He had to bring down the heavy suitcase from the top shelf of the closet.

To move something smoothly and gradually to a lower position or level.

Example

The curtains slid down slowly as she pulled the cord.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

Differences in go down vs move down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: go down or move down?

In daily conversation, people use go down more often than move down. This is because go down is used for more common actions such as descending stairs or going to a lower floor, while move down is more specific and less commonly used. So, while both phrases are used, go down is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go down and move down

Go down and move 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 go down and move down

The tone of go down and move down can differ based on context. Go down often carries a neutral or descriptive tone when related to descending or moving to a lower level, while move down typically has a more active and physical tone, especially when referring to physically shifting an object to a lower position.

go down & move down: Synonyms and Antonyms

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