What are the definitions of “dump on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Treat someone badly.
Her boss DUMPS ON everyone when things go wrong.
- 2Criticize heavily, often unfairly.
She DUMPS ON her family a lot.
- 3Tell someone your problems.
When he'; s depressed, he needs someone to DUMP ON.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dump on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dump on is to treat someone badly or criticize them heavily, often unfairly. It can also mean telling someone your problems, usually when you're feeling down or upset.
What are the different verb forms of “dump on”?
| Root Verb | dump on |
| Third Person Singular Present | dumps on |
| Present Participle | dumping on |
| Simple Past | dumped on |
| Past Participle | dumped on |
Example
She always dumps on her friends when she's in a bad mood.
Example
He dumps on his coworkers whenever he's stressed.
Example
She is dumping on her sister for not helping with the chores.
Example
Yesterday, he dumped on his friend for not supporting him.
Example
She felt like she had been dumped on by her colleagues.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dump 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
“dump 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
He dumped on his friend for not helping him.
Example
She dumped on her family for not understanding her.
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
“dump 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
He dumped on his friend for not helping him.
Example
She dumped on her family for not understanding her.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dump on”?
Good things to know
Does “dump on” have an informal or formal tone?
Dump on is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or professional writing. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'criticize' or 'treat unfairly' can be used.
