What are the definitions of “go down on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Perform oral sex.
He WENT DOWN ON her.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go down on”?
The phrasal verb go down on is often used in a sexual context. It means to perform oral sex on someone. For example, 'He decided to go down on her.'
What are the different verb forms of “go down on”?
| Root Verb | go down on |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes down on |
| Present Participle | going down on |
| Simple Past | went down on |
| Past Participle | gone down on |
Example
He decided to go down on her.
Example
She goes down on him.
Example
He is going down on her.
Example
She went down on him last night.
Example
He had gone down on her before they were interrupted.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go 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
“go 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
He decided to go down on her.
Example
She went down on him last night.
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
“go 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
He decided to go down on her.
Example
She went down on him last night.
Good things to know
Does “go down on” have an informal or formal tone?
Go down on is a very informal and explicit phrase. It is not appropriate to use in formal or polite conversation. It is used in very intimate, private situations or when discussing sexual activities in a casual or explicit context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “go down on”?
Synonyms
- perform oral sex
