Phrasal verbs "go down to" vs "go up to"

Differences between go down to and go up to

Go down to usually means to move or travel to a lower level or place, whereas go up to generally means to approach someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: go down to vs go up to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Go down to

  • 1Be defeated.

    Chelsea WENT DOWN TO Arsenal in a thrilling game.

Go up to

  • 1Approach.

    She WENT UP TO him and asked him if he wanted a drink.

  • 2Attend a university.

    She WENT UP TO Cambridge after she finished secondary school.

  • 3Reach.

    The book only GOES UP TO the start of the Second World War.

Usage Examples: go down to, go up to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

go down to

Example

In the final match, the local team went down to the visitors.

Example

Every time they play, he goes down to his older brother in chess.

go up to

Example

I will go up to the counter and order our food.

Example

She always goes up to the teacher after class to ask questions.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down to

To move or travel to a lower level or place.

Example

We need to descend to the basement to check the circuit breaker.

head downstairs

To move or travel to a lower level or floor of a building.

Example

I'll head downstairs to grab some snacks from the kitchen.

To change one's position or location to a lower level or place.

Example

The passengers were instructed to move to a lower level of the ship during the storm.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go up to

To move closer to someone or something in order to interact or communicate.

Example

I decided to approach my boss and ask for a raise.

To move towards someone or something on foot.

Example

He saw his friend across the room and decided to walk over to say hello.

come up to

To move towards someone or something in order to interact or communicate.

Example

The little girl was shy at first, but then she came up to me and asked for a piece of candy.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

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Phrasal Verbs with “go”

Differences in go down to vs go up to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: go down to or go up to?

In daily conversation, people use go up to more often than go down to. This is because go up to is used for social interactions such as greeting someone or asking for help. Go down to is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about going to a lower level or place. So, while both phrases are used, go up to is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go down to and go up to

Go down to and go up to 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 to and go up to

The tone of go down to and go up to can differ based on context. Go down to often carries a practical or serious tone when related to going to a lower level or place, while go up to typically has a friendly and approachable tone, especially when referring to approaching someone or something.

go down to & go up to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Go down to

Synonyms

  • lose to
  • be defeated by
  • fall to
  • be beaten by
  • succumb to

Antonyms

Go up to

Synonyms

Antonyms

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