Meaning trap
bring down
reduce the level or amount of something
to make something, such as a price, temperature, or amount, lower than before.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to make something, such as a price, temperature, or amount, lower than before.
Another meaning of 'bring down' is 'cause someone in power to lose their position'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The new manager managed to bring down expenses by 15%.
If the government wants to bring down pollution levels, they should encourage people to use public transport more often.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: They brought down the prices of 20%.
Say: They brought prices down by 20%.
Prices come down BY an amount, not 'of'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Bring down' is the everyday verb for lowering a price or level; 'reduce significantly' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
bring down + price/level
- prices
- costs
- the temperature
- inflation
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- bring down (cause someone in power to lose their position) — Another meaning of 'bring down' is 'cause someone in power to lose their position'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.