# go below

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/go-below
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to move from the deck of a ship to the rooms or areas underneath it.

For teachers: to descend from the upper deck of a vessel to the lower decks or cabins; primarily used in nautical contexts.

## Examples

- The captain told the crew to go below during the storm.
- As the sun began to set, the passengers decided to go below to prepare for dinner.
- The sailors were ordered to go below and secure the cargo before the heavy swells reached the ship's hull.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He went to below to find his cabin." but "He went below to find his cabin." — 'below' acts as an adverb of direction here, so the preposition 'to' is unnecessary and incorrect.

## Usage notes

- usually functions as an intransitive verb in a maritime setting.
- Teaching tip: anchor this in a nautical context to help students remember it; contrast with 'go downstairs' which is used for buildings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.