What are the definitions of “chase down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try hard to find or get something.
The press CHASED us DOWN when the story broke.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chase down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chase down is to try hard to find or get something, often by pursuing or following someone or something. For example, it can mean a police officer chasing a criminal, a journalist trying to get a story, or a person searching for a specific item.
What are the different verb forms of “chase down”?
| Root Verb | chase down |
| Third Person Singular Present | chases down |
| Present Participle | chasing down |
| Simple Past | chased down |
| Past Participle | chased down |
Example
The detective chased down the suspect.
Example
She chases down the best deals at the mall.
Example
He is chasing down a lead for his article.
Example
Yesterday, they chased down the thief.
Example
The criminal was chased down and arrested.
What kind of phrasal verb is “chase 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
“chase 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
The reporter chased down the story.
Example
The police officer chased the suspect down.
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
“chase 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 reporter chased down the story.
Example
The police officer chased the suspect down.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “chase down”?
Good things to know
Does “chase down” have an informal or formal tone?
Chase down is generally considered to have a neutral to informal tone. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings depending on the specific context. For instance, when discussing a police investigation or a journalist's work, it can have a more formal tone. However, in most cases, chase down is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
