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Phrasal verbs "splash down" vs "touch down"

Differences between splash down and touch down

Splash down and touch down are both used to describe the landing of a spacecraft or aircraft, but splash down specifically refers to a water landing, while touch down refers to a landing on any surface.

Meanings and Definitions: splash down vs touch down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Splash down

  • 1Land in the sea ( space capsules ).

    Apollo 13 SPLASHED DOWN after a harrowing flight.

Touch down

  • 1Land ( planes ).

    The plane TOUCHED DOWN at Narita airport an hour late.

Usage Examples: splash down, touch down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

splash down

Example

The space capsule is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean.

Example

The spacecraft splashes down safely after its mission.

touch down

Example

The plane touched down safely after a long flight.

Example

The airplane touches down at the airport in the evening.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Splash down

make a water landing

To land a spacecraft or aircraft in water.

Example

The astronauts successfully made a water landing after their mission in space.

ditch in the ocean

To intentionally or unintentionally land a plane or helicopter in the ocean.

Example

The pilot had to ditch the plane in the ocean after experiencing engine failure.

submerge upon landing

To sink or go underwater after landing in water.

Example

The spacecraft submerged upon landing, but the crew was able to safely exit before it sank completely.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Touch down

make a landing

To successfully land an aircraft or spacecraft.

Example

The plane made a smooth landing despite the strong winds.

set down

To land or place something on a surface.

Example

The helicopter set down on the rooftop to pick up the passengers.

come in for a landing

To approach and prepare for a landing.

Example

The pilot announced that they would be coming in for a landing shortly.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “splash”

Phrasal Verbs with “touch”

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

Differences in splash down vs touch down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: splash down or touch down?

In general, touch down is more common than splash down. This is because most landings occur on solid ground rather than in water. However, splash down is still used in certain contexts, such as when referring to space capsules that land in the ocean.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of splash down and touch down

Both splash down and touch down are informal phrases that are commonly used in news reports and casual conversation. However, in more formal settings like academic or technical writing, it may be more appropriate to use alternative expressions such as 'landed in the water' or 'made a successful landing'.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of splash down and touch down

The tone of splash down and touch down can differ based on context. Splash down often carries a sense of excitement or drama, as it is typically used to describe the landing of a spacecraft returning from space. On the other hand, touch down is a more neutral term that simply describes the act of landing.

splash down & touch down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Splash down

Synonyms

  • water landing
  • sea landing
  • ocean landing

Touch down

Synonyms

Antonyms

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