What are the definitions of “mark down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give a student a lower grade for a particular reason.
Students who gave obviously rehearsed answers were MARKED DOWN, while those who spoke naturally were rewarded accordingly.
- 2Reduce the price of something.
I'll buy a lot more if you MARK them DOWN a bit.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mark down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mark down is to reduce the price of something, usually in a store or during a sale. It can also mean giving a student a lower grade for a particular reason.
What are the different verb forms of “mark down”?
| Root Verb | mark down |
| Third Person Singular Present | marks down |
| Present Participle | marking down |
| Simple Past | marked down |
| Past Participle | marked down |
Example
The store decided to mark down the prices of their winter clothes.
Example
She marks down the prices of the items on sale.
Example
The manager is marking down the prices for the clearance sale.
Example
They marked down the prices of the electronics last week.
Example
The items have been marked down to make room for new inventory.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mark 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.)
Transitive verb
“mark down” 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 teacher marked down the student's grade for poor handwriting.
Example
The store marked down the prices of the shoes.
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
“mark 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 teacher marked down the student's grade for poor handwriting.
Example
The store marked down the prices of the shoes.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mark down”?
Good things to know
Does “mark down” have an informal or formal tone?
Mark down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in business or academic discussions.
