What are the definitions of “chow down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Eat.
Dinner's ready- CHOW DOWN!.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chow down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chow down is to eat, especially when eating quickly or with enthusiasm. It is often used in informal situations.
What are the different verb forms of “chow down”?
| Root Verb | chow down |
| Third Person Singular Present | chows down |
| Present Participle | chowing down |
| Simple Past | chowed down |
| Past Participle | chowed down |
Example
When the pizza arrived, everyone started to chow down.
Example
He chows down on his lunch as soon as the break starts.
Example
They are chowing down on the delicious buffet at the party.
Example
We chowed down on the burgers at the barbecue last night.
Example
She had chowed down on the entire pizza by herself.
What kind of phrasal verb is “chow 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
“chow 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 kids chowed down as soon as the food was served.
Example
We chowed down on the delicious meal.
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
“chow 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 kids chowed down as soon as the food was served.
Example
We chowed down on the delicious meal.
Good things to know
Does “chow down” have an informal or formal tone?
Chow down is an informal phrasal verb used in casual conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written communication. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'eat' or 'consume' can be used.
