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Prepositions of Movement Upwards and Downwards


We use prepositions of movement all the time so it pays to know them well. Depending on the preposition, you may even find some that are used to show slightly different motions (off/on for example.)

The short list below is followed by a quick exercise to ensure you know these items well. Enjoy!

DOWN (TO) = A. a moving downwards B. a moving southwards C. a fall in status or respect

A. He was lucky he didn’t break something when he fell down the stairs.
B. If you ever get bored in England come down to Greece for a visit.
C. The CEO came down some in the eyes of his employess when the company went bankrupt.

OFF = a moving from one surface to another (usually lower)

The children were still screaming as Kalomoira came off the stage.

ON (TO) = a moving from one surface to another (usually higher)

The children were screaming as Kalomoira stepped on the stage.

UP (TO) = A. a moving upwards B. a moving northwards C. a moving upwards socially

A. The squirrel ran up the three when it saw the dog.
B. They traveled up to Michigan from Florida every summer.
C. She moved up the social ladder by marrying a Greek millionaire.

SET PHRASES

Go up or down the road. Go up or down a ladder. Go up to or down to the shop, corner, the pub, etc. Get on or off a bicycle, a bus, a train, etc. (but get in or out of a car)

Prepositions of Movement Upwards and Downwards Exercise



1. "Come ____ Greece. Sweden is so cold in winter."
2. My parents come ____ from Arizona to Michigan in the summer.
3. He came _____ the plane to cheers from his fans.
4. They were waiting for him when he came ___ the bus.
5. She moved ____ in the standing after she won the game.
6. This is Paris. Let’s go ____
7. Without the handbrake the car will roll ____
8. He broke his leg when he fell ____ .
9. Are you coming ____ ?
10. I'll leave you here unless you get ___


Your score is



For more information about prepositions of movement upwards and downwards click on the preceding link.