What are the definitions of “go down to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be defeated.
Chelsea WENT DOWN TO Arsenal in a thrilling game.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go down to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go down to is to be defeated or lose in a competition or game. For example, it is often used in sports to describe one team losing to another.
What are the different verb forms of “go down to”?
| Root Verb | go down to |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes down to |
| Present Participle | going down to |
| Simple Past | went down to |
| Past Participle | gone 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.
Example
The champion is going down to the challenger in a surprising upset.
Example
Last year, they went down to their rivals in a close game.
Example
In the history of their matches, they have gone down to their opponents several times.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go down to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“go down to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The team went down to their opponents in the final minutes of the game.
Example
In a shocking turn of events, the champion went down to the underdog.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“go down to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The team went down to their opponents in the final minutes of the game.
Example
In a shocking turn of events, the champion went down to the underdog.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go down to”?
Good things to know
Does “go down to” have an informal or formal tone?
Go down to is a neutral phrasal verb. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing sports or competitions. However, it is more commonly used in British English than in American English.
