In this lesson we’re looking at using phrasal verbs with UP and DOWN in English.
This is one of nine phrasal verb lessons that we have in this course. If this is your first time looking at phrasal verbs, look at our Phrasal Verb Introduction. We also have lessons on using phrasal verbs with in/out, on/off, and away/back.
Have fun with the lesson, and don’t forget to try the quizzes by clicking on their links below
– James.
Lesson Contents
Compare UP and DOWN
- put something UP
- take something DOWN
I put the mirror up on the wall.
I took the mirror down from the wall.
- pick something UP
- put something DOWN
I saw a wallet on the floor so I picked it up.
She walked in and put her bags down.
- stand UP
- sit DOWN, bend DOWN, lie DOWN
We stood up and walked out.
You look tired, you should lie down.
- turn something UP
- turn something DOWN
I like this song, turn up the radio.
The TV is too loud, can you turn it down please?
Knock / Blow / Cut DOWN etc.
We say knock DOWN a building, blow something DOWN, cut a tree DOWN, etc:
Our tree was damaged during the storm, so we cut it down.
Why did they knock down that building?
Knocked DOWN can also mean hit by a vehicle:
A woman was knocked down by a car and taken to hospital.
Match the halves of the sentences that use PHRASAL VERBS with UP or DOWN.
Phrasal verbs with DOWN
DOWN used with some verbs can mean getting less.
- slow DOWN (go more slowly):
You’re going too fast! Slow down!
- calm DOWN (become calmer or make someone calmer):
Don’t get so upset. Breathe slowly and calm down.
- cut DOWN (reduce how much you do something):
I’m getting fat, I should cut down on red meat.
Choose either UP or DOWN to complete the sentences.
Other phrasal verbs with DOWN
- break DOWN (stop working for machines, cars, relationships):
Our car broke down on the way to Manchester.
Their marriage broke down after ten years.
- close DOWN or shut DOWN (stop doing business):
There used to be a cinema here but it closed down a year ago.
- let DOWN (disappoint someone):
I should have called you, I’m sorry I let you down.
- turn DOWN (refuse):
They offered me the job but I turned it down.
- write DOWN (write some information because you’ll need it later):
She told me her number and I wrote it down on my hand.
Complete the sentences with a suitable verb. Don’t forget to conjugate the verb correctly.
Verbs
| break | calm | close | drop | put | slow |
