What are the definitions of “crack down on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Use more authority than usual.
The police always CRACK DOWN ON drink - driving offences over the Christmas period.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “crack down on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb crack down on is to take strict action or enforce rules more strictly than usual, often to stop or control something that is considered wrong or harmful. For example, it can mean that the police are taking more severe measures to stop illegal activities or that a government is enforcing stricter regulations.
What are the different verb forms of “crack down on”?
| Root Verb | crack down on |
| Third Person Singular Present | cracks down on |
| Present Participle | cracking down on |
| Simple Past | cracked down on |
| Past Participle | cracked down on |
Example
The school decided to crack down on bullying.
Example
The government cracks down on tax evasion every year.
Example
The authorities are cracking down on illegal street vendors.
Example
Last year, the city cracked down on illegal parking.
Example
The company has cracked down on employees who misuse company resources.
What kind of phrasal verb is “crack 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
“crack 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 police cracked down on illegal gambling.
Example
The government cracked down on tax fraud.
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 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 police cracked down on illegal gambling.
Example
The government cracked down on tax fraud.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “crack down on”?
To take strict action against corruption and dishonest practices.
Example
The anti-corruption agency is cracking down on corrupt officials.
Good things to know
Does “crack down on” have an informal or formal tone?
Crack down on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news reports, official statements, and everyday conversations to describe strict actions taken by authorities or organizations.
