What are the definitions of “boil down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Simplify, reduce to the essentials.
The report's so long, I BOILED it DOWN into a two - page summary.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “boil down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb boil down is to simplify or reduce something to its most essential parts. It is often used when talking about summarizing complex information or condensing a large amount of data into a more manageable form.
What are the different verb forms of “boil down”?
| Root Verb | boil down |
| Third Person Singular Present | boils down |
| Present Participle | boiling down |
| Simple Past | boiled down |
| Past Participle | boiled down |
Example
We need to boil down the main points of the presentation.
Example
She boils down the complex information into a simple summary.
Example
He is boiling down the lengthy report into a few key points.
Example
Yesterday, they boiled down the meeting's discussion into a short list of action items.
Example
The main ideas have been boiled down to a one-page summary.
What kind of phrasal verb is “boil 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.)
Transitive verb
“boil down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She boiled down the complex information into a simple summary.
Example
He boiled the report down to a two-page summary.
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
“boil 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
She boiled down the complex information into a simple summary.
Example
He boiled the report down to a two-page summary.
Good things to know
Does “boil down” have an informal or formal tone?
Boil down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
