Differences between go down and run down
Go down usually means to move or travel to a lower level or place, whereas run down generally means to describe something negatively or to list things in a disorganized way.
Meanings and Definitions: go down vs run 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.
Run down
- 1Hit a pedestrian with a vehicle.
The minicab RAN him DOWN on the zebra crossing.
- 2Lose energy or power.
You should only recharge the battery when it has fully RUN DOWN.
- 3Criticise, disparage.
They're always RUNNING me DOWN and I am sick and tired of it.
- 4Find the source or origin of something.
The police RAN DOWN all the leads they had and caught them.
Usage Examples: go down, run 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.
run down
Example
My phone battery always runs down quickly when I use it a lot.
Example
His energy runs down quickly when he doesn't get enough sleep.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To move or travel to a lower level or place.
Example
We need to descend the stairs to get to the basement.
To fall or descend from a higher to a lower position.
Example
The temperature will drop tonight, so make sure to bring a jacket.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run down
To talk about something in a critical or unfavorable way.
Example
She always describes her job negatively, but I think it's a great opportunity.
To mention things in a disorganized or random way.
Example
He listed the tasks haphazardly, making it hard to understand the priorities.
To express disapproval or find fault with something or someone.
Example
She criticized his work without offering any constructive feedback.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “run”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in go down vs run down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go down or run down?
In daily conversation, people use go down more often than run down. This is because go down is used for more common actions such as descending stairs or going to a lower floor. Run down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about describing something negatively or listing things in a disorganized way. So, while both phrases are used, go down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go down and run down
Go down and run 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 run down
The tone of go down and run down can differ based on context. Go down often carries a neutral or practical tone when related to descending or traveling, while run down typically has a negative or critical tone, especially when referring to describing something or listing things in a disorganized way.
