1 A2 neutral
To move to a physically lower position.
"Could you move down the bench a bit so I can sit at the end?"
move down
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To move to a lower position physically, or to move to a lower rank, level, or category.
In plain English
Go lower — whether moving your body down or going to a lower level in a list, group, or rank.
What does "move down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To fall to a lower rank, level, or position in a league, class, or hierarchy.
"The team moved down to the second division after a disastrous season."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go in a downward direction — largely transparent.
Actually means
Go lower — whether moving your body down or going to a lower level in a list, group, or rank.
Usage tip
Used in physical, sporting, academic, and professional contexts. In UK education it can mean moving to a lower set. In sport it can mean being relegated. Also used to instruct someone to shift further down in a line or row.
Words that pair with "move down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
league table class rank list seat
How to conjugate "move down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
move down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
moves down
he/she/it
Past simple
moved down
yesterday
Past participle
moved down
have + pp
-ing form
moving down
continuous
Hear "move down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "move down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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