COME DOWN

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'come down' means to move from a higher place to a lower one, or to decrease or reduce something, such as a price or level.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'come down' means to move from a higher place to a lower one, or to decrease or reduce something, such as a price or level.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The object cannot be placed between the verb and the particle.
Register
Neutral
Can be used in both formal and informal contexts without affecting tone.
Transitive
No
This phrasal verb does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple come down The trees come down in winter's harshness.
Past Simple came down The overhead banner came down during the storm.
Present Continuous coming down Heavy rains are coming down in the valley.
Present Perfect have come down Prices have come down significantly since last year.

💡 When to Use

Describing falling prices.
Use it when talking about price reductions after a high point, offering relief or accessibility.
Example: "The concert ticket prices have come down recently, making them more affordable."
Describing physical descent.
Use it when describing something or someone moving from higher to lower position or level.
Example: "The climbers had to come down the mountain before dusk."
Referring to a decrease in levels.
Apply it to describe a reduction in levels like noise, violence, or emotion.
Example: "The noise level needs to come down for better concentration."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using as transitive incorrect.
❌ Wrong: She came the ladder down quickly.
✅ Correct: She came down the ladder quickly.
💡 Tip: Remember it doesn't take a direct object; preposition follows the verb.
Mixing with separable phrasal verbs.
❌ Wrong: Come prices down to zero.
✅ Correct: Prices should come down to zero.
💡 Tip: It's inseparable; object goes after the entire verb phrase.
Misusing with unnecessary prepositions.
❌ Wrong: Come down from off the roof!
✅ Correct: Come down from the roof!
💡 Tip: Avoid extra prepositions that don't add meaning.
Practice

COME DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

descend reduce

Antonyms

rise

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After the storm, the branch ___ slowly from the tree."

came up
come down
went down
came across

"When values come down to basics, wisdom flourishes, transcending material illusions and nurturing the spirit with genuine fulfillment and peace."

In Context

In 1666, the city of London faced a monumental disaster known as the Great Fire of London. Thomas Farriner's bakery on Pudding Lane became the dystopian epicenter when flames erupted and rapidly spread. As the panic reached its height, structures that seemed invincible came down one by one, surrendering to the merciless inferno. The Mayor's initial indecision allowed flames to intensify, escalating the destruction. However, the city's fate began to change when King Charles II took decisive action. The King himself came down to the chaotic streets, organizing firebreaks to halt the advancement of the blaze. His leadership turned into strategic mobilization, inspiring citizens to combat the catastrophe. As the fire's relentless progress finally stopped, nearly four-fifths of London had come down to ashes and rubble. Lives were lost, and the physical essence of London was transformed forever. Despite this devastation, the resilient spirit of the Londoners emerged as reconstruction efforts began. Visionaries like Sir Christopher Wren devoted themselves to rebirth, designing a city that symbolized determination and unity. The once pale landscape came down as a tale of triumph over turmoil, illustrating London's ability to rise anew from its fiery ordeal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Come Down

What is the origin of 'come down'?

+
The term 'come down' originates from Old English, where 'cuman' meant to approach and 'dūn' indicating descent. Historically, it conveyed movement from higher to lower, progressively evolving into broader applications like decreasing in price or level.

Can 'come down' be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Come down' fits both formal and informal situations due to its neutral register. In academia, it may describe falling indices, while in casual conversation, it's used for simpler actions like descending stairs.

What is the difference between 'come down' and 'descend'?

+
While both involve downward movement, 'come down' is broader, including reductions or declines in level or price. 'Descend' is more formal, primarily used for physical downward movement. Context determines the appropriate choice.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

go downclimb downhead downslow downwind down
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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