SpeakUp

come down — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 move from a higher to a lower placeTo move from a higher position to a lower one, either physically or metaphorically.
  2. 2 decrease in price or levelTo become lower in amount, value, or level, especially prices or numbers.

All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

move from a higher to a lower place

B1come down from/to/off sthMost common

To move from a higher position to a lower one, either physically or metaphorically.

Could you come down from your room? Dinner is ready.

A: Where's Mia?
B: She's coming down the stairs now.

In my hometown, the mountains are beautiful, and sometimes we come down from the hills to visit the city center.

Common mistake

✗Come down of the ladder, it's not safe.

✓Come down from the ladder, it's not safe.

'Come down FROM' a high place, not 'of'.

Tell it apart

Come down, dinner's ready!

move to a lower floor

Come over, dinner's ready!

come to my place
Use 'come down' when someone or something is moving from a higher place to a lower one, often towards where you are.Not the same as 'fall down', which often means to drop suddenly or by accident.

Often paired with

come down (from)
Practice saying this →
2

decrease in price or level

B2come down to/by amount

To become lower in amount, value, or level, especially prices or numbers.

The cost of smartphones has come down a lot in recent years.

A: Are flight tickets still expensive?
B: No, they've come down since last month.

If house prices come down, more young people will be able to afford their own homes.

Common mistake

✗Prices have come down with 10%.

✓Prices have come down by 10%.

Prices come down BY an amount, not 'with'.

Tell it apart

Prices have come down.

fallen on their own

They've brought prices down.

lowered them deliberately
Use 'come down' to talk about prices, temperatures, or numbers that are reducing.Different from 'drop', which can suggest a sudden or sharp decrease.

Often paired with

come down (in price)
Practice saying this →

Turn this into speaking practice

Practise one meaning at a time and save the ones you mix up for review.

move from a higher to a lower placedecrease in price or level