it went down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it went down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that occurred, often implying that something has happened or changed, typically in a negative or unexpected way. Example: "When the server crashed, it went down for several hours, causing a lot of frustration among users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then it went down and it did its job".

The New York Times - Magazine

It went down well.

The Economist

It went down".

The New York Times

It went down every month".

The New York Times

It went down a treat.

Independent

"It went down very badly.

The Guardian - Film

It went down very well.

Independent

It went down badly.

The Guardian

Sure, it went down.

The New York Times - Sports

Then it went down to 10 degrees".

The New York Times

It never went up, it went down.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when using "it went down". It can imply a simple occurrence, a decline, or even a defeat. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Common error

While "it went down" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives such as "it transpired", "it declined", or "it occurred" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it went down" functions as an idiomatic expression. It can act as a narrative device to describe how an event happened, or to indicate a decrease or failure, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it went down" is a versatile idiom used to describe events, declines, or failures. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a neutral register suitable for many situations. While generally acceptable, it's best to use more precise language in formal or scientific writing, as highlighted in the writing guidance. The related phrases provide alternative ways to express similar meanings, offering greater nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it transpired

Replaces the phrase with a more formal term for "happened", focusing on the unfolding of events.

it unfolded

Emphasizes the gradual revealing of events, suggesting a process.

this is how it played out

Focuses on the sequence and manner in which events occurred, suggesting a narrative.

it occurred

Similar to 'it transpired' but more neutral, simply stating that something happened.

it plummeted

Specifically indicates a rapid and significant decrease or fall.

it declined

Suggests a gradual decrease or deterioration over time.

here's what happened

Changes the focus to narrating events, often used to introduce a story.

it came to pass

A more archaic and formal way of saying 'it happened'.

it failed

Focuses on the lack of success or the inability to achieve a desired outcome.

it was defeated

Highlights the act of being overcome or losing in a competition or struggle.

FAQs

What does "it went down" mean?

"It went down" is an idiomatic expression that can mean something happened, something decreased or failed, or describe how an event unfolded. The exact meaning depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "it went down" when describing something happening?

You can use alternatives like "it transpired", "it occurred", or "this is how it played out" depending on the context.

How can I use "it went down" in a sentence?

Here are some examples: "The price of the stock went down." "That's how it went down." "The proposal went down to defeat."

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it went down"?

"It went down" is appropriate in informal and neutral contexts. Avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred.