Phrasal verb
go down sth
Definition
phrasal verb. To move along something, like a road, path, or list, usually from a higher or earlier point to a lower or later one.
phrasal verb. A transitive phrasal verb meaning to travel along a route or list, typically from a starting point downwards or forwards in sequence.
Examples
“Go down this road and turn left.”
“To find the price, you need to go down the list of items on the menu.”
“As the sun began to set, the hikers carefully went down the steep mountain path they had ascended that morning.”
Examples
simple
“Go down this road and turn left.”
contextual
“To find the price, you need to go down the list of items on the menu.”
complex
“As the sun began to set, the hikers carefully went down the steep mountain path they had ascended that morning.”
Usage
The object is typically a path, road, river, or list.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'go up sth' to reinforce the directional meaning; use a map or a list in class for physical practice.
Pitfall
Go down to this road.
Go down this road.
When 'go down' means to travel along a path, the path is the direct object and does not use a preposition like 'to'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + down + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/go-down-sth