What Does "go down" Mean?
- The phrasal verb "go down" is versatile, possessing several meanings depending on the context. These include: descending physically (e.g., "go down the stairs"), decreasing in value or quantity (e.g., "prices go down"), being recorded or remembered (e.g., "it will go down in history"), being swallowed easily (e.g., "They go down easily."), or even failing or being defeated (e.g., "the plan went down in flames"). It can also refer to something happening or proceeding in a certain way.
- The meaning of "go down" is semi-idiomatic. While "go" generally indicates movement and "down" indicates direction, the combination often creates meanings that are not directly predictable from the individual words.
- The register of "go down" is generally neutral, suitable for both informal and formal contexts, although some specific usages might lean towards informality.
How to Use It
- Grammatical pattern: verb + particle.
- Typical objects, complements, or prepositions that follow "go down" include: prepositions indicating location (e.g., "to," "into," "under"), adverbs specifying manner (e.g., "easily," "well"), and nouns indicating what is decreasing or failing (e.g., "prices," "the plan").
- The components of the phrasal verb "go down" are generally inseparable, especially when it functions idiomatically. You would not typically insert a noun between "go" and "down".
- What sounds unnatural: Using the wrong preposition (e.g., "go up to Chinatown" instead of "go down to Chinatown" when referring to a location geographically south) or misinterpreting the idiomatic meaning based on context (e.g., assuming "go down" always refers to physical descent).
Real-World Examples
""Go down"." — The New York Times - Sports
"You go down." — The New Yorker
"They go down easily." — The New York Times
"Go down to Chinatown." — The New York Times
"He didn't go down." — The New York Times - Sports
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/go+down
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| descend |
More formal synonym for physical movement downwards. |
| decrease |
A more formal and direct substitute when referring to a reduction in quantity or value. |
| be recorded |
Used when referring to historical events or data being documented. |
| be swallowed |
Specifically for the act of eating or drinking. |
| fail |
Used when something is unsuccessful or collapses. |
| happen |
A general term for something taking place or occurring. |
| occur |
More formal synonym for happen. |
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong preposition after "go down" can change the meaning entirely (e.g., "go down on" has a very specific, often vulgar, meaning).
- Confusing the different idiomatic meanings of "go down" based on context can lead to miscommunication (e.g., assuming it always means physical descent).
- Learners often misunderstand the specific meaning of 'go down' based on the context, confusing it with other phrasal verbs that express similar actions or states.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Meaning |
Grammatical Pattern |
Register |
| go down |
Descend, decrease, be recorded, be swallowed, fail, happen |
Verb + Particle |
Neutral to Informal |
FAQs
Can the words in "go down" be separated, or do they always have to stay together?
No, the words in "go down" generally cannot be separated, especially when used idiomatically. For instance, you wouldn't say "go quickly down" if you mean to descend quickly; you'd say "go down quickly". The phrasal verb functions as a unit.
How is "go down" different from simply saying "descend"?
While both "go down" and "descend" can refer to moving downwards, "descend" is more formal. "Go down" is more versatile and can also mean decrease, be recorded, or fail, depending on the context, whereas "descend" primarily refers to physical movement downwards.
What's a common mistake people make when using "go down", and how can I avoid it?
A common mistake is misinterpreting the specific meaning of "go down" based on the context, confusing it with other phrasal verbs that express similar actions or states. To avoid this, pay close attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to determine the intended meaning (e.g., is it referring to physical descent, a decrease in value, or something else entirely?).