What are the definitions of “calm down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop being angry or emotionally excited.
When I lose my temper, it takes ages for me to CALM DOWN again.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “calm down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb calm down is to stop being angry or emotionally excited. It is often used when someone is upset, angry, or anxious, and needs to relax or regain control of their emotions.
What are the different verb forms of “calm down”?
| Root Verb | calm down |
| Third Person Singular Present | calms down |
| Present Participle | calming down |
| Simple Past | calmed down |
| Past Participle | calmed down |
Example
Please calm down and tell me what happened.
Example
She usually calms down after a few minutes of deep breathing.
Example
He is calming down after hearing the good news.
Example
Yesterday, they calmed down after talking about their feelings.
Example
Once she calmed down, she was able to think more clearly.
What kind of phrasal verb is “calm 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
“calm 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
I need to calm down before I can talk about it.
Example
He calmed down after taking a walk outside.
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
“calm 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
I need to calm down before I can talk about it.
Example
He calmed down after taking a walk outside.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “calm down”?
Good things to know
Does “calm down” have an informal or formal tone?
Calm down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a workplace or academic environment.
