What are the definitions of “go under”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Go bankrupt.
Many small shops are GOING UNDER because they cannot compete with the supermarkets.
- 2Lose consciousness.
She WENT UNDER a few minutes after they administered the anaesthetic.
- 3Sink.
The ship WENT UNDER in a heavy storm.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go under”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go under is to fail financially or go bankrupt. For example, a business might go under if it cannot make enough money to pay its bills.
What are the different verb forms of “go under”?
| Root Verb | go under |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes under |
| Present Participle | going under |
| Simple Past | went under |
| Past Participle | gone under |
Example
Many small businesses go under because they cannot compete with larger companies.
Example
The small shop goes under due to the lack of customers.
Example
The company is going under because of the economic crisis.
Example
The restaurant went under after only six months.
Example
Several businesses have gone under in the recent recession.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go under”?
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 under” 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 company went under due to financial difficulties.
Example
The ship went under after hitting an iceberg.
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 under” 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 company went under due to financial difficulties.
Example
The ship went under after hitting an iceberg.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go under”?
Good things to know
Does “go under” have an informal or formal tone?
Go under is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in a formal business context, terms like 'bankrupt' or 'insolvent' might be used instead of go under. In a medical context, 'lose consciousness' or 'anesthetized' might be used instead of go under.
