What are the definitions of “come down on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Criticise heavily.
The management really CAME DOWN ON him for losing the contract.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come down on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come down on is to criticize someone or something heavily, usually because of a mistake or failure. It means to express strong disapproval or to punish someone for their actions.
What are the different verb forms of “come down on”?
| Root Verb | come down on |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes down on |
| Present Participle | coming down on |
| Simple Past | came down on |
| Past Participle | come down on |
Example
The teacher came down on the students for not doing their homework.
Example
She comes down on her employees for being late to work.
Example
The boss is coming down on him for not meeting the deadline.
Example
The coach came down on the team for their poor performance.
Example
He had come down on her for not following the rules.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come down on”?
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
“come down on” 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 manager came down on the employee for the mistake.
Example
The teacher came down on the student for cheating.
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
“come down on” 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 manager came down on the employee for the mistake.
Example
The teacher came down on the student for cheating.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come down on”?
Good things to know
Does “come down on” have an informal or formal tone?
Come down on is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'criticize,' 'reprimand,' or 'rebuke.'
