brought down

USAGE SUMMARY

"brought down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective and can be used to describe a situation or thing that has been reduced, lowered, or diminished. For example, "The economy has been brought down by the recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We were just brought down".

The New Yorker

Then Rolser was brought down.

Independent

This brought down the house.

The New York Times - Books

For her heresy she was brought down.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it brought down all of Target.com.

The New York Times

That one brought down the house.

The New York Times

"It literally brought down our servers".

The New York Times

We will never be brought down".

The New York Times

Thursday's cast brought down the house.

The New York Times - Arts

It also brought down credit spreads.

The Economist

The crisis brought down the government.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brought down" to describe a decrease, consider whether a more specific verb (e.g., "reduced", "lowered") might provide greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "brought down" when the active voice would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "The scandal brought him down", try "The scandal ruined him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brought down" primarily functions as the past participle of the phrasal verb "bring down". It is often used in the passive voice to describe the result of an action that has diminished, defeated, or removed something, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brought down" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase indicating a reduction, defeat, or removal. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. It commonly appears in news, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. To ensure clarity and impact, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and whether a more precise verb might be suitable. Avoid misusing it in the passive voice when the active voice would be more effective. By understanding its function and context, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "brought down" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overthrown

Implies forceful removal from power or a position of authority.

deposed

Suggests formal removal from a high office or position.

toppled

Emphasizes a sudden and often dramatic fall or collapse.

defeated

Focuses on overcoming an opponent or obstacle.

reduced

Indicates a decrease in quantity, size, or intensity.

lowered

Implies a decrease in height, level, or status.

suppressed

Suggests the forceful prevention of something from developing or being expressed.

demolished

Highlights the complete destruction or ruin of something.

undermined

Indicates a weakening or erosion of something's foundation or strength.

curtailed

Suggests a restriction or reduction in scope or extent.

FAQs

How can I use "brought down" in a sentence?

You can use "brought down" to describe something being reduced, defeated, or removed. For example, "The new evidence "brought down" the corrupt politician".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "brought down"?

Depending on the context, you could use "overthrown", "deposed", or "toppled" as alternatives to "brought down".

Is it correct to say "was brought down"?

Yes, "was brought down" is grammatically correct and represents the passive voice. It's used when the subject receives the action, such as "The government was "brought down" by the scandal".

What's the difference between "brought down" and "taken down"?

"Brought down" often implies a more significant or forceful action, such as overthrowing a government or defeating an opponent. "Taken down", like "taken down", can refer to removing something physically or digitally, but doesn't necessarily imply a large-scale impact.