What are the definitions of “crack down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To take strong action to stop or control something.
The school is cracking down on smoking.
- 2To take strong action to stop or punish something
the first to crack down on any hint of insubordination amongst the junior officers.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “crack down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb crack down is to take strong action to stop or control something, usually a negative behavior or activity. For example, it can mean enforcing stricter rules, increasing punishments, or taking other measures to prevent or stop something.
What are the different verb forms of “crack down”?
| Root Verb | crack down |
| Third Person Singular Present | cracks down |
| Present Participle | cracking down |
| Simple Past | cracked down |
| Past Participle | cracked down |
Example
The government decided to crack down on illegal activities.
Example
The school cracks down on cheating during exams.
Example
The police are cracking down on drunk driving.
Example
Last year, the company cracked down on workplace harassment.
Example
The authorities have cracked down on tax evasion in recent years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “crack 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
“crack 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 government cracked down on illegal gambling.
Example
The school cracked down on bullying.
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
“crack 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 government cracked down on illegal gambling.
Example
The school cracked down on bullying.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “crack down”?
To take strong action to stop or control corruption, such as bribery or embezzlement.
Example
The government is cracking down on corruption within its ranks.
Good things to know
Does “crack down” have an informal or formal tone?
Crack down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, news reports, and official statements. The formality of the phrasal verb depends on the specific context in which it is used.
