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

— CalifJim

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
0
Can you propose a phrasal verb for "increase" and "decrease"???
0
0
a phrasal verb which deserves in my sentence.
0
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
0
Alex Johna phrasal verb which deserves fits in my sentence
As shown above.

CJ
0
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
0
Thank you mister Micawber. can we use "get sth up" and "get sth down" instead of "increase" and "decrease" in informal contexts?
0
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.
0