Differences between go down and stand down
Go down usually means to move or travel to a lower level or to decrease in value or intensity, whereas stand down generally means to withdraw from a position or to stop doing something.
Meanings and Definitions: go down vs stand 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.
Stand down
- 1Leave a job or position so that someone else can take it.
The minister announced her intention to STAND DOWN at the next election.
- 2Finish being asked questions in a court.
The judge told the witness to STAND DOWN after the questioning.
Usage Examples: go down, stand 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.
stand down
Example
The general decided to stand down after many years of service.
Example
The CEO stands down next month, and a new leader will take over.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To move or travel downwards from a higher level or position.
Example
We had to descend several flights of stairs to reach the basement.
To decrease in value, amount, or intensity.
Example
The temperature dropped significantly after the storm passed.
To move or fall downwards, especially into water or a soft substance.
Example
The boat started to sink after hitting a rock in the middle of the lake.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stand down
To remove oneself or something from a position or situation.
Example
The troops were ordered to withdraw from the border area to avoid a potential conflict.
To stop doing something or to come to an end.
Example
The government announced that it would cease all military operations in the region to promote peace talks.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “stand”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in go down vs stand down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go down or stand down?
In daily conversation, people use go down more often than stand down. This is because go down is used for more common situations such as going downstairs or watching the sunset. Stand down is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used in formal settings like military or political contexts. So, while both phrases are used, go down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go down and stand down
Go down and stand down have different levels of formality. Go down is an informal phrase often used in casual conversations. It is suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. On the other hand, stand down is a formal phrase often used in official contexts like military or political settings. It is not suitable for casual conversations.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of go down and stand down
The tone of go down and stand down can differ based on context. Go down often carries a neutral or descriptive tone when related to movement or decrease, while stand down typically has a serious or urgent tone, especially when referring to withdrawing from a position or stopping an action.
