Phrasal verbs "lay down" vs "turn down"

Differences between lay down and turn down

Lay down means to put something down in a horizontal position, while turn down means to reject or refuse an offer or request.

Meanings and Definitions: lay down vs turn down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Lay down

  • 1Establish rules or procedures.

    The rules of the sport were LAID DOWN early in the nineteenth century.

  • 2Kill, murder.

    He got LAID DOWN in a turf war about supplying drugs.

Turn down

  • 1Reduce volume, temperature, etc..

    The room was too hot, so she TURNED the heating DOWN.

  • 2Reject an offer, invitation, etc..

    They offered her the job, but she TURNED it DOWN.

  • 3Fold the top covers of a bed down to make it ready for someone to go to sleep.

    The hotel staff TURNED DOWN the bed and scattered flower petals on it while we was having dinner.

Usage Examples: lay down, turn down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

lay down

Example

The company lays down strict guidelines for employee conduct.

Example

She lays down the rules for her children to follow.

turn down

Example

Please turn down the music; it's too loud.

Example

She always turns down the heat before going to bed.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Lay down

To place something down in a specific location or position.

Example

He put down the book he was reading and went to answer the phone.

To get comfortable in a new place or situation.

Example

After a long day of moving, they finally settled in to their new home.

To place something down for support or relaxation.

Example

She rested her head on the pillow and closed her eyes.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn down

decline

To politely refuse an offer or invitation.

Example

She had to decline the job offer because it didn't align with her career goals.

To refuse or reject an offer or request.

Example

He had to say no to the invitation because he had other plans.

To refuse or dismiss an offer or proposal.

Example

The company had to reject the partnership proposal due to financial constraints.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “lay”

Phrasal Verbs with “turn”

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

Differences in lay down vs turn down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: lay down or turn down?

In daily conversation, people use turn down more often than lay down. This is because turn down is used in a variety of situations such as job offers, invitations, and requests. Lay down is less common and is mainly used when referring to physically placing something down.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of lay down and turn down

Lay down and turn down are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, turn down can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts to politely decline an offer or request.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of lay down and turn down

The tone of lay down and turn down can differ based on context. Lay down typically has a neutral or descriptive tone, while turn down can have a polite or regretful tone when refusing an offer or request.

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