Phrasal verbs with down

58 phrasal verbs · 85 meanings · A2 to C2

What does "down" add to phrasal verbs?

When you see "down" in a phrasal verb, think about movement and reduction. This little word carries powerful meaning patterns that can help you understand dozens of combinations.

Most obviously, "down" often shows physical movement from high to low. You sit down, get down, or come down from upstairs. Objects fall down or get knocked down. But "down" does much more than show direction.

It frequently means making something smaller or less. Prices go down, you turn down the volume, or cut down on sugar. Businesses shut down when they stop operating. Even emotions follow this pattern — you calm down when anger decreases, or cool down after excitement.

"Down" also suggests completion or thoroughness. When you write down notes, you're not just writing — you're capturing something permanently. Breaking down a problem means analysing it completely. Tracking down information involves searching until you find it.

Sometimes "down" adds negative force. To put someone down means to criticise them harshly. Running someone down involves unfair criticism. Looking down on someone shows contempt.

The beauty of these patterns is that they're predictable. Once you recognise that "down" often signals reduction, completion, or negative force, you can guess meanings more confidently. A new combination like "scale down" probably means "reduce in size" — and you'd be right.

All phrasal verbs with "down"

back down stop arguing for something because others disagree or pressure you B2 blow sth down make something fall down because of strong wind B1 boil down to sth come down to one main point or reason B2

break down

bring down

buckle down start working hard and seriously on a task C1 burn sth down destroy a building completely by fire B2 clamp down on sth take strong action to stop or control something C1 close (sth) down stop operating permanently (a business, factory, or school) B1

come down

cool down become calmer after being angry or upset B1 crack down on sth take strict action to stop something illegal or wrong B2

cut down

die down slowly become less strong, loud, or noticeable B2 double down on sth strongly increase your commitment to something, even when others criticise it C1 drop down move to a lower position B1 dumb sth down make something too simple, losing important detail C1

fall down

get down start to give serious attention to something B2

go down

gun sb down shoot someone, often killing or badly hurting them in a violent attack C1 hand sth down pass something to younger people in the family B2 hold sth/sb down keep someone or something in place using force B2

keep down

knock down

lay sth down establish or create the basic rules for something B2

let down

live sth down make people forget about something embarrassing you did C1 look down on sb think you are better than someone else B2

mark down

narrow sth down reduce a list of options to fewer, more specific ones B2 note sth down write something down so you remember it later B2 pare sth down reduce something by removing parts that are not needed C2 pass sth down give knowledge, traditions, or things to the next generation B2 pin sb/sth down find out exactly what something is, or make someone give a clear answer C1

play down

pull sth down destroy a building or structure B2

put down

run down

set sth down write down rules or conditions in a formal way B2

settle down

shoot sth down reject an idea or suggestion firmly C1 shut (sth) down stop working, or make something stop working (a machine, computer, or business) B1 slow (sb/sth) down start to move or work less quickly A2 stand down leave a job, role, or position of power C1 step down leave an important job or position B2 take sth down write down what someone says B1 talk down to sb speak to someone as if they are stupid or less important C1 tear sth down destroy a building or structure completely B2 tone sth down make something less strong or less likely to upset people C1 track sb/sth down find someone or something after a long or difficult search B2 turn sth down say no to an offer, request, or chance B1 vote sth down reject a proposal or plan by voting against it C1

water down

wear sb down slowly make someone weaker or less determined by continuous pressure B2 whittle sth down slowly reduce a large number or amount to a smaller one C1

wind down

write sth down write something on paper so you can remember it A2

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