English is full of colorful expressions, and phrasal verbs are some of the most useful tools to make your conversations more natural. One small word like “down” can completely change the meaning of a verb!
In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 common phrasal verbs with “down”, their meanings, and how to use them in real-life situations. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate English learner, these expressions will help you sound more fluent and confident.
Let’s break down the list together! 😉
A phrasal verb is a phrase that consists of a verb + a preposition or adverb (or both). The combination gives a new meaning that’s often different from the original verb.
For example:
“Sit” means to rest on a chair.
But “sit down” means to lower your body into a seated position.
“Down” is often used to show reduction, lowering, calming, or decline, but it can also have emotional or unexpected meanings.
Let’s dive into the list! ⬇️
Meaning:
To stop functioning (machines).
To become very emotional.
To explain something in detail.
Examples:
My car broke down on the way to work. 🚗
She broke down in tears after hearing the bad news. 😢
Let me break down the process for you step-by-step. 🧠
Learn It:
Use “break down” when talking about problems or explaining things clearly.
Meaning:
To become or make someone less angry or excited.
Examples:
Please calm down. It’s not a big deal. 😌
He was so angry, but after a while, he calmed down.
Pro Tip:
This is often used in arguments or emotional situations.
Meaning:
To reduce the volume or intensity.
To reject an offer or invitation.
Examples:
Can you turn down the music? It’s too loud. 🔊
She turned down the job offer because it was too far away. ❌
Learn It:
This phrasal verb is common in both social and professional conversations.
Meaning:
To reduce speed.
To become less active or busy.
Examples:
You’re driving too fast. Please slow down. 🚦
I’ve been working too much. I need to slow down and relax.
Useful for:
Health, driving, or lifestyle topics.
Meaning:
To disappoint someone.
Examples:
I hate to let you down, but I can’t come to the party. 😞
She felt let down by her friends.
Emotional Tip:
Use this when someone doesn’t meet expectations.
Meaning:
To record something on paper or digitally.
Examples:
Please write down your phone number. 📱
I always write down my grocery list before shopping.
Study Tip:
Great for classroom, note-taking, or memory-related contexts.
Meaning:
To start feeling sick or to catch an illness.
Examples:
I think I’m coming down with a cold. 🤧
She came down with the flu last week.
Health Note:
This phrase is useful when describing early symptoms.
Meaning:
To place something on a surface.
To insult or criticize someone (negatively).
To write something quickly.
Examples:
She put down the phone and walked away. 📞
He always puts me down in front of others. 😠
Put down your ideas before you forget them.
Watch Out!
“Put down” can sound rude when referring to people.
Meaning:
To decrease or reduce.
To happen or occur.
To be remembered in a particular way.
Examples:
The temperature went down last night. ❄️
What went down at the meeting yesterday?
This moment will go down in history!
Bonus Tip:
“Go down” is often used in news, history, or conversations.
Meaning:
To stop operating or close something.
To reject or stop something.
Examples:
The factory shut down due to low demand. 🏭
The app shuts down automatically after 10 minutes.
He tried to share his opinion, but she shut him down.
Digital Use:
Very useful for talking about computers, phones, or websites.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Break down | Stop working / get emotional / explain | My car broke down. |
| Calm down | Become less angry | Calm down, it’s okay. |
| Turn down | Lower volume / reject something | She turned down the offer. |
| Slow down | Reduce speed | Slow down while driving. |
| Let down | Disappoint | Don’t let me down. |
| Write down | Note something | Write down the date. |
| Come down with | Get sick | I came down with a cold. |
| Put down | Place something / insult | He put me down. |
| Go down | Decrease / happen | What went down last night? |
| Shut down | Close / stop | They shut down the factory. |
Practice in Context: Don’t just memorize. Use them in real sentences.
Group by Preposition: Like today’s “DOWN” group.
Create Flashcards: Visual aids help with recall.
Watch English Shows: Listen for how natives use them.
Write Daily Sentences: Use 2-3 phrasal verbs per day.
Here’s a fun challenge for you!
Can you create a short story using at least 5 of the phrasal verbs above?
Example:
Yesterday, I came down with a fever, so I had to turn down my friend’s invitation. I was really sad, but I wrote down everything I missed and promised not to let her down next time.
Now it’s your turn! Share your story in the comments. I’d love to see how creative you can be! 💬
Phrasal verbs with “down” are used in many everyday conversations — from talking about feelings to giving instructions, rejecting offers, or even discussing health. By learning just 10 of these, you’ve already taken a big step toward fluent English!
Remember, the best way to master them is through regular practice.
So, don’t shut down this page yet — bookmark it, and write down your favorite ones! 😉
👉 Looking for more vocabulary tips and useful phrases?
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