ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go down

phr. v..
A2 Elementary Oxford

phr. v.. To become lower, less, or smaller. You can use it for prices, temperatures, or even the sun in the sky.

phr. v.. An intransitive phrasal verb meaning to decrease in level, amount, or value; also, to set (referring to the sun).


SIMPLE

The price of fuel is going down.

CONTEXTUAL

We watched the sun go down over the ocean from our hotel balcony.

COMPLEX

Despite initial optimism, consumer confidence has continued to go down, prompting concerns about a wider economic recession.

Particles
down
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
subject + go + down
Usage

Often used to describe prices, temperatures, levels, or the sun setting.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'go up' (increase); introduce the core meaning of 'decrease' first before exploring other senses like the sun setting or a system failing.

Pitfall

The shop went down the prices.The prices went down.'Go down' is intransitive when it means 'decrease'; it describes something happening and does not take a direct object.

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