might go down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might go down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or likelihood of something decreasing or failing. Example: "If the weather continues to worsen, the temperature might go down significantly by evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His ship might go down.

The New Yorker

It might go down to the wristwatch level.

The Economist

The former might go down well in the media industry.

The Guardian - Money

How the film's slang might go down in America.

The Guardian - Film

It might go down a little bit unpleasant the same idea with these guys.

Cornell University

"I was nervous about how it might go down if I didn't.

The New York Times

If bad weather is forecast, the over/under total for the game might go down.

The New York Times - Sports

His knee is swollen at the moment but it might go down.

Independent

"Instead of the numbers going up, the numbers might go down," Zimbalist said.

The New York Times

IT MIGHT go down in history as the bear that crawled away.

The Economist

So, even as they might go down in flames, they're proud of themselves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might go down" to describe potential negative outcomes, ensure the context clearly identifies what is at risk of declining or failing. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While "might go down" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less authoritative. Consider stronger verbs like 'decrease', 'decline', or 'reduce' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might go down" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a possibility or likelihood of something decreasing, declining, or failing. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It is used to speculate about potential negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might go down" is a common and acceptable phrase used to express the possibility of something decreasing or failing. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media, though less common in highly formal contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies what is at risk of declining to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "could decrease" or "may decline" in professional or academic settings to maintain a more authoritative tone. Remember that while it expresses a possibility, you might also select "could fail" to express certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could decrease

Suggests a potential reduction or decline; interchangeable in many contexts.

may decline

Indicates a possibility of diminishing or deteriorating.

might diminish

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

may reduce

Focuses on the potential for a decrease in quantity or size.

could fail

Highlights the potential for not succeeding or collapsing.

may collapse

Suggests a sudden and complete failure or breakdown.

could plummet

Suggests a rapid and significant decrease or fall.

might worsen

Indicates a possibility of becoming more severe or negative.

could deteriorate

Emphasizes a gradual decline in quality or condition.

might depreciate

Specifically refers to a decrease in value or price.

FAQs

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

You can use "might go down" to indicate a potential decrease or decline. For instance, "If demand decreases, prices might go down." or "The quality might go down if they cut corners."

What can I say instead of "might go down"?

Alternatives to "might go down" include "could decrease", "may decline", or "might diminish", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "could decrease" instead of "might go down"?

Yes, "could decrease" is generally considered more formal than "might go down". "Might go down" is suitable for informal or neutral contexts, while "could decrease" is preferable in professional or academic writing.

What's the difference between "might go down" and "might collapse"?

"Might go down" suggests a gradual reduction or decline, while "might collapse" indicates a sudden and complete failure. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a slow decline or a rapid breakdown.