go down well

USAGE SUMMARY

"go down well" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to mean that something is received positively or accepted favorably. Example: The boss's new initiative to reform the company's structure went down well with the employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That will not go down well.

Independent

It did not go down well.

The Economist

That would not go down well.

The Economist

That won't go down well.

The Guardian

LONDON — Well, that didn't go down well.

The Washington Post

That explanation did not go down well.

The New York Times

2. Will your product go down well?

The Guardian

This doesn't go down well with Cromwell.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"That is bound to go down well".

The Guardian

Not surprisingly, it doesn't go down well.

The Guardian - Film

Last week's seemed to go down well.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go down well", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality required. While generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "be well-received".

Common error

Avoid overusing "go down well" in formal writing. While grammatically sound, relying on it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms to enhance clarity and formality.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "go down well" functions as a verb phrase indicating the reception or acceptance of something. It describes how an action, idea, or suggestion is perceived by others. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go down well" is a grammatically correct and frequently used idiom to describe the positive reception or acceptance of something. Ludwig AI confirms that "go down well" is suitable for use in written English. While mainly appearing in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, it is considered neutral in register and can be replaced by alternatives such as "be well-received" or "be met with approval" for more formal tones. However, you should check that these alternatives always fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be well-received

This alternative offers a slightly more formal tone while conveying the same meaning of being accepted positively.

be favorably received

This alternative highlights the positive aspect of the reception, emphasizing that it was met with approval.

be met with approval

This emphasizes the active granting of approval rather than passive acceptance.

strike a positive chord

This idiom suggests that something resonates well and creates a favorable impression.

resonate positively

This alternative suggests a deeper connection and agreement with the audience or recipients.

be a hit

This is a more informal way of saying something was very successful and well-liked.

find favor

This suggests that something is liked or approved of, often implying a sense of gaining preference.

sit well with

This implies that something is acceptable and agreeable to someone or a group.

be accepted

This is a more general term indicating that something is agreed upon or believed.

succeed

While broader, this captures the essence of achieving a positive outcome or result.

FAQs

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

You can use "go down well" to describe how an idea, suggestion, or action is received. For example, "The new policy didn't "go down well" with the employees."

What are some alternatives to "go down well"?

Some alternatives to "go down well" include "be well-received", "be favorably received", or "be met with approval". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "go down well" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "go down well" is generally more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "be favorably accepted" or "gain acceptance".

What does it mean when something "goes down well"?

When something "goes down well", it means that it is received positively, accepted favorably, or meets with approval. It suggests that the audience or recipients are pleased with the idea, action, or suggestion.