What does the phrasal verb “move down” mean?

What are the definitions of “move down”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Move a student to a lower level.

  He was finding the course too difficult so they MOVED him DOWN.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “move down”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb move down is to change a student's position to a lower level in a course or class. This usually happens when the student is struggling with the current level and needs to be placed in a more suitable environment.

What are the different verb forms of “move down”?

Root Verb	move down
Third Person Singular Present	moves down
Present Participle	moving down
Simple Past	moved down
Past Participle	moved down

Example

The teacher decided to move the student down to a lower level.

Example

She moves down students who are struggling with the material.

Example

The school is moving down several students to help them succeed.

Example

Last semester, they moved down a few students to a lower level.

Example

The student has been moved down to a more appropriate class.

What kind of phrasal verb is “move down”?

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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

“move 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 moved the student down to a lower level.

Example

They moved her down because she was struggling.

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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

“move 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 moved the student down to a lower level.

Example

They moved her down because she was struggling.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “move down”?

Move down a list

To go through a list or sequence in a downward direction.

Example

Please move down the list and check off each item as you complete it.

Move down a line

To shift one's position in a line or queue, usually to make room for others.

Example

As more people joined the line, we had to move down to accommodate them.

Move down a page

To scroll or read further down a page, either on paper or digitally.

Example

To find the information you need, move down the page until you see the relevant section.

Good things to know

Does “move down” have an informal or formal tone?

Move down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, such as in educational or professional contexts.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “move down”?

Synonyms

• demote
• lower
• downgrade
• relegate

Antonyms

• promote
• elevate
• advance
• move up