What are the definitions of “pat down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Search or frisk someone.
The police PATTED them DOWN for weapons but found nothing.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pat down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pat down is to search or frisk someone, usually by police or security personnel. This is done by patting their clothing to check for hidden items, such as weapons or illegal substances.
What are the different verb forms of “pat down”?
| Root Verb | pat down |
| Third Person Singular Present | pats down |
| Present Participle | patting down |
| Simple Past | patted down |
| Past Participle | patted down |
Example
The security guard will pat down everyone before they enter the concert.
Example
He pats down his pockets to check for his keys.
Example
The officer is patting down the suspect for any hidden weapons.
Example
They patted down all the passengers before boarding the plane.
Example
The suspect was patted down and then arrested.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pat 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
“pat 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 security guard patted down the concert-goers.
Example
The police officer patted the suspect down before arresting him.
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
“pat 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 security guard patted down the concert-goers.
Example
The police officer patted the suspect down before arresting him.
Good things to know
Does “pat down” have an informal or formal tone?
Pat down is a neutral term. It is used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal situations, it is often used in law enforcement or security procedures. In informal situations, it might be used in everyday conversation when referring to searching for something in one's pockets or bags.
