What are the definitions of “melt down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Heat something solid, especially metal, until it becomes liquid.
They MELTED the gold statue DOWN and turned it into gold bars.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “melt down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb melt down is to heat a solid substance, especially metal, until it becomes liquid. This process is often used to reshape or repurpose materials.
What are the different verb forms of “melt down”?
| Root Verb | melt down |
| Third Person Singular Present | melts down |
| Present Participle | melting down |
| Simple Past | melted down |
| Past Participle | melted down |
Example
The blacksmith melts down the iron to create new tools.
Example
He melts down the old jewelry to make a new ring.
Example
She is melting down the chocolate to make a dessert.
Example
They melted down the ice sculpture after the event.
Example
The metal has been melted down and is ready for casting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “melt 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
“melt 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 artist melted down the bronze to create a sculpture.
Example
She melted the ice down to make water.
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
“melt 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 artist melted down the bronze to create a sculpture.
Example
She melted the ice down to make water.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “melt down”?
Good things to know
Does “melt down” have an informal or formal tone?
Melt down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be found in technical or scientific writing, depending on the specific context.
