What are the definitions of “burn down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Burn completely.
They had to completely rebuild the museum after the old one BURNED DOWN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “burn down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb burn down is to burn completely, usually referring to a building or structure being destroyed by fire. This can happen accidentally or intentionally.
What are the different verb forms of “burn down”?
| Root Verb | burn down |
| Third Person Singular Present | burns down |
| Present Participle | burning down |
| Simple Past | burned down |
| Past Participle | burned down |
Example
The old barn burned down after being struck by lightning.
Example
If the fire isn't controlled, the entire forest burns down.
Example
The house was burning down when the firefighters arrived.
Example
The warehouse burned down last night, and everything inside was lost.
Example
The old building had burned down years ago, leaving only an empty lot.
What kind of phrasal verb is “burn 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
“burn 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 house burned down quickly.
Example
The forest fire burned down many trees.
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
“burn 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 house burned down quickly.
Example
The forest fire burned down many trees.
Good things to know
Does “burn down” have an informal or formal tone?
Burn down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, news reports, and academic writing.
