Phrasal verb
come down
Meanings
to move from a higher place to a lower place
to become lower in amount, level, or intensity
to be removed from a high place or position
Definition
To come down means to move from a higher place to a lower place or to become less intense or lower in level.
Come down is a common phrasal verb used when something moves downward, like a person coming from upstairs to downstairs. It is also used when something decreases, such as prices or a fever. In everyday speech, it can describe something being removed from a high position, like a picture being taken off a wall.
Examples
- I’ll come down in a minute after I finish this email.
- Could you come down from the ladder slowly?
- The noise finally came down once the crowd left.
- Her temperature came down after she rested for a while.
- The old curtains came down during the renovation.
Common mistake
Learners often say "come down to" when they mean movement (correct: "come down the stairs"), not a destination phrase.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.