What are the definitions of “chop down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Fell or cut down a tree.
They CHOPPED DOWN most of the forest and now it looks like a desert.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chop down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chop down is to cut or fell a tree, usually with an axe or a chainsaw. This action results in the tree falling to the ground.
What are the different verb forms of “chop down”?
| Root Verb | chop down |
| Third Person Singular Present | chops down |
| Present Participle | chopping down |
| Simple Past | chopped down |
| Past Participle | chopped down |
Example
We need to chop down the dead tree in the backyard.
Example
He chops down trees for a living.
Example
They are chopping down the old oak tree to make room for the new building.
Example
She chopped down the tree that was blocking the sunlight.
Example
The tree has been chopped down and removed from the property.
What kind of phrasal verb is “chop 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
“chop 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 lumberjack chopped down the tree.
Example
They chopped the tree down to clear the land.
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
“chop 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 lumberjack chopped down the tree.
Example
They chopped the tree down to clear the land.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “chop down”?
Good things to know
Does “chop down” have an informal or formal tone?
Chop down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in reports or articles about deforestation or tree removal.
