What are the definitions of “plonk down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To put or place something or someone heavily or clumsily.
Dave plonked the kids in front of the TV and disappeared upstairs.
- 2To sit down heavily or abruptly.
She plonked herself firmly down on the bed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “plonk down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb plonk down is to put or place something or someone heavily or clumsily. It can also mean to sit down heavily or abruptly. This phrasal verb is often used to describe actions that are done without much care or thought.
What are the different verb forms of “plonk down”?
| Root Verb | plonk down |
| Third Person Singular Present | plonks down |
| Present Participle | plonking down |
| Simple Past | plonked down |
| Past Participle | plonked down |
Example
He plonked down the heavy box on the table.
Example
She plonks down her bag on the chair every day.
Example
He is plonking down the groceries on the kitchen counter.
Example
Yesterday, she plonked down the suitcase in the hallway.
Example
The books had been plonked down on the shelf haphazardly.
What kind of phrasal verb is “plonk 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
“plonk 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
He plonked down the heavy box on the table.
Example
She plonked herself down on the bed.
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
“plonk 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
He plonked down the heavy box on the table.
Example
She plonked herself down on the bed.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “plonk down”?
Good things to know
Does “plonk down” have an informal or formal tone?
Plonk down is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'place' or 'set down' can be used.
