What are the definitions of “bow to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To submit or yield to something that is inevitable or unavoidable.
He finally bowed to the inevitable and resigned.
- 2To yield or submit to something, especially under pressure or influence.
They finally bowed to political pressure and signed the agreement.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bow to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bow to is to submit or yield to something that is inevitable or unavoidable. It often implies giving in to pressure or accepting a situation that cannot be changed.
What are the different verb forms of “bow to”?
| Root Verb | bow to |
| Third Person Singular Present | bows to |
| Present Participle | bowing to |
| Simple Past | bowed to |
| Past Participle | bowed to |
Example
She decided to bow to the inevitable and accept the job offer.
Example
He bows to the pressure from his family and agrees to their demands.
Example
They are bowing to the public's opinion and changing their policies.
Example
The company bowed to the new regulations and updated their procedures.
Example
The government has bowed to the demands of the protesters.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bow to”?
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
“bow to” 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
She bowed to the pressure and agreed to their terms.
Example
The company bowed to the new regulations.
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
“bow to” 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 bowed to the pressure and agreed to their terms.
Example
The company bowed to the new regulations.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bow to”?
To accept something that cannot be changed or avoided.
Example
After months of struggling, he finally bowed to the inevitable and closed his business.
Good things to know
Does “bow to” have an informal or formal tone?
Bow to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
