go down

USAGE SUMMARY

"go down" is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe either a physical action or a decrease in stats/values, etc. For example: "Sales of the new product quickly went down after its release."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Go down".

The New York Times - Sports

You go down.

The New Yorker

"Go down," Sean called.

The New York Times - Travel

"Don't just go down.

The New Yorker

Care will go down.

The New York Times

They'd go down.

The New Yorker

Then we go down".

The New York Times

Didn't lawsuits go down?

The New Yorker

Could it go down?

Independent

They go down easily.

The New York Times

You go down under.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure when using "go down" to avoid repetition. For instance, instead of saying 'The temperature will go down,' try 'A decrease in temperature is expected.'

Common error

While "go down" is versatile, it can sound informal in certain contexts. For example, instead of saying 'The company's profits went down,' opt for 'The company's profits declined' in formal reports.

How to use

Learn how to use "go down" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go down" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It's used to describe a variety of actions, including physical descent, decrease in quantity or value, and the occurrence of events. As Ludwig indicates, it is acceptable and usable in written English. The examples show its flexibility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go down" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase in the English language. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and usability in written English. It functions primarily to describe physical descent, decrease in quantity or value, or the occurrence of events. While generally neutral to informal in register, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between "go down" and more formal alternatives like "descend" or "decline". As shown by Ludwig, its frequency across diverse sources indicates its widespread use in modern communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come down

A more conversational way to express moving from a higher to a lower place.

descend

A more formal synonym for physically moving downwards.

decline

Implies a decrease in quantity, quality, or importance.

drop

Indicates a sudden and often unexpected fall or decrease.

decrease

Focuses specifically on a reduction in numerical value.

reduce

Emphasizes the act of making something smaller or lower in amount.

fall

Suggests a sudden or rapid downward movement.

collapse

Suggests a sudden failure or breakdown, leading to a downward movement.

sink

Implies movement downwards into a liquid or soft substance.

subside

Implies a gradual sinking or lessening.

FAQs

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

"Go down" can be used to describe physical movement (e.g., "We need to go down to the basement") or a decrease in something (e.g., "The price of gas will go down").

What are some alternatives to "go down"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "descend" for physical movement or "decline" for a decrease.

Is it correct to use "go down" in a formal report?

While grammatically correct, "go down" might be too informal for certain formal reports. Consider using more formal synonyms like "decrease" or "diminish".

What's the difference between "go down" and "fall"?

"Go down" is a general term for moving downwards, while "fall" often implies a sudden or uncontrolled descent. For example, "The climber started to go down the mountain" versus "The climber fell down the cliff".