0
Alex John Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Can "increase" and "decrease" be synonym with "get sth up" and "get sth down"?

For example:
This would increase the negative effects = This would get the negative effects up.
  

Top answer

Alex John get the negative effects up No. That's too awkward to be a good paraphrase of "increase the negative effects". CJ

  • Alex John get the negative effects up No.
  • That's too awkward to be a good paraphrase of "increase the negative effects".
  • CJ
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

8 Answers
0
Alex Johnget the negative effects up
No. That's too awkward to be a good paraphrase of "increase the negative effects".

CJ
0
Can you propose a phrasal verb for "increase" and "decrease"???
0
a phrasal verb which deserves in my sentence.
0
Alex John Can you propose a phrasal verb for "increase" and "decrease"???
Hmm. Tough question. It depends if you're using them transitively or intransitively.

Transitive: to make (something) go up / go down
Intransitive: to go up / go down

These can sound very clumsy, though, compared to "increase" and "decrease", especial
0
Alex Johna phrasal verb which deserves fits in my sentence
As shown above.

CJ
0
Alex JohnThis would increase the negative effects = This would get the negative effects up.
If you want a phrasal verb, the context must be relatively informal...but 'negative effect' is quite formal. I suggest instead something like heighten/intensify/multiply/exacerbate the negative effects.
0
Thank you mister Micawber. can we use "get sth up" and "get sth down" instead of "increase" and "decrease" in informal contexts?
0
Alex Johncan we use "get sth up" and "get sth down" instead of "increase" and "decrease" in informal contexts?
It sounds awkward—or obscene—in any context that springs to mind.

Related Questions