Phrasal verbs with "down" often describe a reduction, descent, control, or completion of an action. The particle “down” adds a nuance of something being lowered, softened, stopped, or recorded.
Common meanings of "down" in phrasal verbs
- Reduction or decrease (e.g. slow down, cut down)
- Control or suppression (e.g. shut down, keep down)
- Completion (e.g. write down, calm down)
- Descent or movement to a lower level (e.g. fall down, sit down)
Tips to remember:
- Imagine “down” as moving from a higher to a lower state — emotionally, physically, or in volume.
- Many “down” verbs relate to ending or slowing something.
Example
After the meeting, I needed to calm down and write down my thoughts.
Full list of phrasal verbs with down
be down
to not be working or functioning
break down
stop functioning
bring down
to reduce something
come down
to fall to the ground
fall down
to collapse or drop to the ground
get down
to lower yourself or move to a lower position
let down
to disappoint someone
lie down
to recline or get into a horizontal position
shut down
to stop operating or close permanently
take down a notch
to humble someone or reduce their arrogance
write down
to write something on paper or in a note