Phrasal verbs "go down" vs "shut down"

Differences between go down and shut down

Go down usually means to move or travel to a lower level or place, while shut down means to close something completely or stop its operation.

Meanings and Definitions: go down vs shut 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.

Shut down

  • 1Close a business, shop, etc..

    The shop SHUT DOWN when the out - of town supermarket opened.

  • 2Turn a computer off.

    You should close all programs before you SHUT a computer DOWN.

Usage Examples: go down, shut 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.

shut down

Example

The factory will shut down for maintenance next week.

Example

The computer shuts down automatically after a period of inactivity.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down

To move or go downwards from a higher level or place.

Example

She had to descend several flights of stairs to reach the basement.

To move or position oneself at a lower level or height.

Example

He had to lower himself to reach the small opening under the desk.

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

Example

The temperature dropped down to freezing point overnight.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shut down

To close a business or operation for the day or permanently.

Example

After years of struggling, they decided to close up shop and sell the remaining inventory.

To stop or discontinue the functioning of a system or machine.

Example

The power plant had to cease operation due to a technical malfunction.

To stop or switch off the power supply of a device or equipment.

Example

Don't forget to turn off the lights before leaving the room.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

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Phrasal Verbs with “go”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: go down or shut down?

In daily conversation, people use go down more often than shut down. This is because go down is used for more common activities such as descending stairs or going to a lower floor. Shut down is not used as much in everyday conversation, but it's commonly used in business or technical contexts when referring to closing a system or machine.

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

Go down and shut down are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, shut down is also used in formal settings like business or technical contexts. In these situations, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of go down and shut down

The tone of go down and shut down can differ based on context. Go down often carries a neutral or descriptive tone when referring to movement or location, while shut down typically has a more serious or urgent tone, especially when referring to closing a system or machine.

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