What are the definitions of “beat down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Strong sunshine.
The sun WAS really BEATING DOWN and we couldn't stay outdoors.
- 2Get someone to lower the price of something.
I managed to BEAT him DOWN to fifty Euros.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “beat down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb beat down is strong sunshine or intense sunlight. It is often used to describe hot and sunny weather conditions that make it difficult to stay outdoors.
What are the different verb forms of “beat down”?
| Root Verb | beat down |
| Third Person Singular Present | beats down |
| Present Participle | beating down |
| Simple Past | beat down |
| Past Participle | beaten down |
Example
The sun beat down on us as we walked through the desert.
Example
The sun beats down on the beach, making it a popular spot for sunbathing.
Example
The sun was beating down on the city, causing everyone to seek shade.
Example
Yesterday, the sun beat down so hard that we couldn't stay outside for long.
Example
The plants had been beaten down by the intense sunlight and needed water.
What kind of phrasal verb is “beat down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“beat down” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The sun beat down on the beach.
Example
The sun beat down on us as we walked through the desert.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“beat down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The sun beat down on the beach.
Example
The sun beat down on us as we walked through the desert.
Good things to know
Does “beat down” have an informal or formal tone?
Beat down is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In formal settings, it is better to use alternative expressions, such as 'intense sunlight' or 'strong sunshine' for the weather-related meaning, and 'negotiate' or 'bargain' for the price-related meaning.
