What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
down
Example
She fell down the stairs. [down: preposition]
Example
The stock market is down today. [down: adjective]
Example
He's feeling down after the breakup. [down: adverb]
lower
Example
Please lower your voice. [lower: verb]
Example
The temperature is lower today. [lower: adjective]
Example
The bridge has a lower clearance than the previous one. [lower: comparative adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Down is more common and versatile in everyday language, while lower is more formal and technical, often used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between down and lower?
Lower is more formal and technical than down, making it suitable for academic or professional writing. However, down is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
