What are the definitions of “pipe down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be quiet ( often as an imperative ).
The lecturer asked the students to PIPE DOWN and pay attention.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pipe down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pipe down is to be quiet or stop making noise. It is often used as an imperative, meaning someone is telling another person or a group of people to be quiet. For example, a teacher might tell their students to pipe down if they are being too noisy during class.
What are the different verb forms of “pipe down”?
| Root Verb | pipe down |
| Third Person Singular Present | pipes down |
| Present Participle | piping down |
| Simple Past | piped down |
| Past Participle | piped down |
Example
The teacher asked the students to pipe down during the lesson.
Example
When the principal enters the room, everyone pipes down.
Example
The children are piping down after their playtime.
Example
The crowd piped down when the speaker began to talk.
Example
The students had piped down by the time the teacher returned to the classroom.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pipe 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.)
Intransitive verb
“pipe down” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The audience piped down when the movie started.
Example
The children piped down after their parents scolded them.
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
“pipe 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 audience piped down when the movie started.
Example
The children piped down after their parents scolded them.
Good things to know
Does “pipe down” have an informal or formal tone?
Pipe down is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual settings. In more formal situations, it is better to use alternatives such as 'be quiet' or 'please lower your voice.'
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pipe down”?
Synonyms
- silence
- be quiet
- hush
- quiet down
- stop talking
- lower your voice
Antonyms
- speak up
- raise your voice
- make noise
- get louder
