Differences between keep down and turn down
Keep down means to prevent something from increasing or becoming too high, while turn down means to decrease the volume, intensity, or level of something.
Meanings and Definitions: keep down vs turn down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Keep down
- 1Not vomit.
The food was so horrible that I struggled to KEEP it DOWN.
Turn down
- 1Reduce volume, temperature, etc..
The room was too hot, so she TURNED the heating DOWN.
- 2Reject an offer, invitation, etc..
They offered her the job, but she TURNED it DOWN.
- 3Fold the top covers of a bed down to make it ready for someone to go to sleep.
The hotel staff TURNED DOWN the bed and scattered flower petals on it while we was having dinner.
Usage Examples: keep down, turn down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
keep down
Example
I hope I can keep down this medicine; it tastes terrible.
Example
She keeps down her lunch even though she feels nauseous.
turn down
Example
Please turn down the music; it's too loud.
Example
She always turns down the heat before going to bed.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep down
To manage or regulate something to prevent it from getting out of hand.
Example
We need to control our expenses to keep down our costs and stay within budget.
suppress
To restrain or prevent something from being expressed or revealed.
Example
He tried to suppress his anger and remain calm during the meeting.
To set a boundary or restriction on something to prevent it from exceeding a certain level.
Example
We need to limit our sugar intake to keep down our risk of developing diabetes.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn down
To reduce the height, volume, or intensity of something.
Example
Can you lower the volume of the TV? It's too loud.
To reduce the brightness or intensity of light.
Example
She dimmed the lights to create a cozy atmosphere in the room.
To make something smaller or less in amount, size, or intensity.
Example
We need to decrease our carbon footprint to protect the environment.
Differences in keep down vs turn down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: keep down or turn down?
In daily conversation, people use turn down more often than keep down. This is because turn down is used for more common situations such as adjusting the volume of music or reducing the heat on a stove. Keep down is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used in specific contexts such as controlling costs or suppressing emotions. So, while both phrases are used, turn down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of keep down and turn down
Keep down and turn 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 keep down and turn down
The tone of keep down and turn down can differ based on context. Keep down often carries a serious or urgent tone when related to controlling something negative or harmful, while turn down typically has a relaxed and casual tone, especially when referring to adjusting sound or light levels.
