Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Bring Down': Meanings and Usage
Learning English phrasal verbs can be a rewarding challenge, essential for achieving fluency and a deeper understanding of everyday English. In this post, we'll explore the versatile phrasal verb 'bring down'. Understanding 'bring down' and its various meanings will significantly boost your English vocabulary and help you improve English communication skills. We will cover its core definitions, explore how it's used in sentences, look at related phrases and synonyms, and finally, give you a chance to practice what you've learned. Let's dive into the world of 'bring down'!
Table of Contents
- What Does Bring down Mean?
- Structure with Bring down
- Related Phrases and Synonyms
- Practice Time!
- Conclusion
What Does Bring down Mean?
The phrasal verb 'bring down' is quite common and multifaceted in the English language. It generally signifies the action of causing something or someone to move to a lower position, whether literally or figuratively. This can also extend to the idea of reducing something in quantity or intensity, or even causing a negative emotional state. Mastering its nuances is key to effective phrasal verb usage.
More: Unlocking 'Bring Before': A Guide to This Formal Phrasal Verb
Structure with Bring down
Understanding the structure of 'bring down' is crucial for using it correctly. This phrasal verb is transitive, meaning it usually requires an object. The object can often come between 'bring' and 'down' (bring [object] down) or after 'down' (bring down [object]), depending on the object and context. Let's explore its common meanings and structures.
1. To Cause to Fall or Be Overthrown
This is one of the most common meanings of 'bring down'. It implies causing someone or something, like a government, leader, or even a physical structure, to lose power or collapse.
- Structure: Subject + bring + [object: person/government/structure] + down
- Example 1: The widespread protests helped to bring down the corrupt government.
- Example 2: A strong gust of wind could bring that old tree down.
This usage often appears in news reports or historical accounts. It highlights a significant shift in power or stability.
2. To Reduce or Lower
Another key meaning of 'bring down' is to reduce something, such as prices, levels, amounts, or even someone's temperature.
- Structure: Subject + bring + [object: price/level/amount/temperature] + down
- Example 1: The new supermarket aims to bring down food prices in the area.
- Example 2: We need to bring the patient's fever down quickly.
This meaning is frequently used in economic contexts, discussions about health, or any situation where a reduction is desired. Learning this aspect of 'bring down' will enhance your ability to discuss changes and decreases.
3. To Make Someone Unhappy or Depressed
'Bring down' can also refer to negatively affecting someone's mood, making them feel sad, dispirited, or less enthusiastic.
- Structure: Subject + bring + [object: person] + down
- Example 1: The constant bad news really brings me down.
- Example 2: Don't let his negative comments bring you down; stay positive!
This idiomatic use is important for understanding emotional expressions in English. It's a common way to describe a decline in spirits or morale. We can also say something is a 'downer', which brings people down.
4. To Land an Aircraft
In aviation, 'bring down' means to cause an aircraft to land, often in a controlled manner, but sometimes implies a forced or emergency landing.
- Structure: Subject (e.g., pilot) + bring + [object: aircraft/plane] + down
- Example 1: The experienced pilot managed to bring the plane down safely despite the engine failure.
- Example 2: Air traffic control guided the pilot to bring the aircraft down on the correct runway.
While specific, this meaning is good to know, especially if you encounter contexts related to travel or aviation.
5. To Earn or Achieve (Money/Score)
Less commonly, 'bring down' can refer to earning a certain amount of money or achieving a particular score, though 'bring in' is more frequent for earnings.
- Structure: Subject + bring + down + [object: amount of money/score]
- Example 1: He hoped to bring down a six-figure salary in his new job. (Note: 'bring in' is more common for salary)
- Example 2: The team needs to bring down a higher score in the next round to win.
Understanding these varied applications will significantly enhance your English vocabulary and comprehension of phrasal verb usage.
More: Mastering 'Bring Around': Meanings, Usage, and Examples
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Expanding your vocabulary includes knowing synonyms and related phrases. This helps you express ideas more precisely and understand others better. Here are some synonyms for 'bring down', corresponding to its different meanings:
| Synonym | Meaning related to 'Bring Down' | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Overthrow | To remove from power by force | The rebels attempted to overthrow the dictator. |
| Reduce | To make smaller or less in amount/degree | We must reduce our spending this month. |
| Lower | To move something to a lower position | Can you lower the blinds, please? |
| Depress | To make someone feel sad or dejected | The gloomy weather tends to depress many people. |
| Subdue | To bring under control; to overcome | The police managed to subdue the angry crowd. |
| Demolish | To pull or knock down (a building) | They plan to demolish the old factory. |
| Sadden | To cause to feel sorrow | The news of her departure will sadden her colleagues. |
Learning these synonyms will make your English expressions more varied and sophisticated. It's a great way to improve English communication.
More: Bring About: Meaning and Usage of this Phrasal Verb
Practice Time!
Now it's time to test your understanding of the phrasal verb 'bring down'. Choose the best answer for each question.
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses 'bring down' to mean 'reduce'?
a) The scandal will bring down the minister.
b) The company decided to bring down the price of its new product.
c) Listening to sad music can bring me down.
d) The pilot skillfully brought the plane down in the storm.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: "The documentary about poverty really ______ me ______." Which option completes the sentence, meaning it made the speaker feel sad?
a) brought / up
b) brought / over
c) brought / down
d) brought / out
Correct answer: c
Question 3: The opposition party is working to ________ the current government.
a) bring up
b) bring about
c) bring off
d) bring down
Correct answer: d
Question 4: "The aim of the sale is to ______ inventory levels before the new stock arrives." What is the most appropriate phrasal verb?
a) bring down
b) bring forth
c) bring around
d) bring on
Correct answer: a
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using the phrasal verb 'bring down' is a valuable step in mastering English. As we've seen, it has several important meanings, from causing something to fall or be overthrown, to reducing levels or prices, and even affecting someone's mood. By familiarizing yourself with its various structures and contexts, you can significantly enhance your vocabulary and fluency. Keep practicing, and you'll find 'bring down' becoming a natural part of your English expression toolkit!