Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Go Under': Meanings and Usage in English

Welcome, English learners! Phrasal verbs can be tricky, but understanding them is key to fluency. Today, we're diving into the versatile phrasal verb 'Go under'. This common expression has several important meanings, from financial collapse to literally sinking. By the end of this post, you'll grasp the different meanings of 'Go under', see how to use it in sentences, explore related words, and test your knowledge. Let's get started on mastering this useful part of English vocabulary!

Table of Contents

• What Does Go under Mean?
• Structure with Go under
• Related Phrases and Synonyms
• Practice Time!
• Conclusion

What Does Go under Mean?

The phrasal verb 'Go under' is a fascinating and frequently used expression in the English language. Its versatility means it can describe several distinct situations, so understanding its phrasal verb meaning in context is crucial for ESL learners. While it can literally mean to pass beneath something, its most common idiomatic uses relate to businesses experiencing financial ruin or objects sinking below water. Grasping these core meanings of 'Go under' will significantly boost your comprehension and fluency.

More: Go Through With: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Structure with Go under

Now that we have a general idea of what 'Go under' signifies, let's delve into its specific meanings and grammatical structures. Phrasal verbs often derive their precise meaning from the context in which they are used. For 'Go under', the surrounding words will typically clarify whether it's about a company in trouble, an object sinking, or someone losing consciousness. We will explore three primary interpretations, providing clear phrasal verb examples for each.

Meaning 1: Financial Failure of a Business (to Go under)

This is perhaps the most frequent and impactful use of 'Go under'. When a company or business is said to go under, it means it has ceased operations due to overwhelming financial difficulties, often leading to bankruptcy and job losses. Understanding this meaning is essential for comprehending business news, economic discussions, and the unfortunate reality of business failure. This usage highlights the serious consequence of financial ruin.

Structure: Subject + go under

In this structure:

• The Subject is typically the business, company, or organization that is failing.
• The phrasal verb 'go under' acts as the main verb phrase, indicating the action of failing financially.

Examples:

1. "Many small shops went under during the economic recession because they couldn't compete with larger chains."
2. "If they don't secure more funding soon, the promising tech startup might go under by next year."

Meaning 2: To Sink Below the Surface of Water (to Go under)

Another common and quite literal meaning of 'Go under' is to be submerged or sink beneath the surface of water or another liquid. This can apply to ships, objects, or even people swimming or diving. The context usually involves bodies of water like oceans, rivers, or lakes, and the phrase paints a clear picture of something disappearing from view downwards. It emphasizes the act of becoming completely covered by the liquid when something is forced to submerge.

Structure: Subject + go under (the water/surface/waves etc.)

In this structure:

• The Subject is the person or thing that is sinking or being submerged.
• The phrasal verb 'go under' indicates the action of moving below the surface.
• Often, a prepositional phrase like "the water" or "the waves" follows to specify where the subject is going under, though it can sometimes be implied.

Examples:

1. "The historic ship struck an unseen iceberg and quickly went under, tragically taking many lives."
2. "He took a deep breath and went under the water for as long as he could, exploring the reef below."

Meaning 3: To Lose Consciousness or Be Anesthetized (to Go under)

In a medical or sometimes a more general context, 'Go under' can refer to the state of losing consciousness. This is frequently used when a patient is given anesthesia before a surgical procedure, signifying a temporary, medically induced loss of awareness. While it can also describe fainting or passing out due to shock or illness, "pass out" might be a more common phrasal verb for those specific situations, but 'Go under' specifically relates well to medically induced unconsciousness.

Structure: Subject + go under

In this structure:

• The Subject is typically a person (or animal) losing consciousness.
• The phrasal verb 'go under' describes this transition into an unconscious state.

Examples:

1. "The patient went under peacefully as soon as the anesthetic drug was administered by the doctor."
2. "She felt extremely dizzy and was genuinely afraid she might go under right there in the crowded room."

More: Understanding 'Go Through': Meanings and Usage | English Vocabulary

Related Phrases and Synonyms

Understanding synonyms can greatly expand your vocabulary and help you express ideas more precisely. Here are some words and phrases related to the main meanings of 'Go under':

More: Go Out: English Phrasal Verb Meanings and Usage

Practice Time!

Test your understanding of "go under" with these questions.

Question 1: Which sentence uses "go under" to mean financial failure? a) The diver decided to go under to see the coral.

b) The old bookshop had to go under due to a lack of customers.

c) After the medication, the patient slowly went under.

d) The tunnel will go under the river.

Correct answer: b

Question 2: "The small boat hit a rock and started to ______." Which is the most appropriate completion using the theme of "go under"? a) go up

b) go over

c) go under

d) go around

Correct answer: c

Question 3: What is a common synonym for "go under" when a business closes due to debt? a) Expand

b) Merge

c) Go bankrupt

d) Relocate

Correct answer: c

Question 4: "The patient was nervous before the surgery, but the doctor assured her she would gently ______ from the anesthesia." What phrasal verb best fits here? a) come to

b) go under

c) wake up

d) get over

Correct answer: b

Conclusion

Learning phrasal verbs like 'Go under' significantly enhances your English comprehension and expression. Understanding its various meanings—from business failure to physical submersion—and how to structure sentences correctly, allows for more nuanced communication. Keep practicing its use in different contexts, and you'll find yourself using 'Go under' confidently and accurately. Consistent practice is the key to mastering English phrasal verbs!