Phrasal verb
go down
Meanings
to move to a lower place or level
to become lower in amount, level, or intensity
to happen or occur in a particular way
Definition
To go down means to move to a lower level or become lower in amount, strength, or intensity.
Go down is a common phrasal verb with several everyday meanings. It can describe moving downward, for example down stairs or below the horizon. It can also mean that something decreases, like prices or a fever, or that an event happens in a particular way. In informal English, it can also mean to be accepted or received by other people.
Examples
- I watched the sun go down behind the hills.
- She went down to the basement to find the extra blankets.
- Gas prices went down a little this week.
- The meeting went down as one of the most awkward moments of the year.
- His joke didn’t go down well with the audience.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse go down (decrease) with go off (stop working or explode), as in saying “the price went off” instead of “the price went down.”
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.