ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go down sth

phr. v..
A2 Elementary Oxford

phr. v.. To move along something, like a road, path, or list, usually from a higher or earlier point to a lower or later one.

phr. v.. A transitive phrasal verb meaning to travel along a route or list, typically from a starting point downwards or forwards in sequence.


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.

Particles
down
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + down + object
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'.

© 2026 English Reference