What are the definitions of “power down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cut the electricity supply to a computer or electronic device.
I POWERED DOWN my computer and went for lunch.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “power down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb power down is to turn off a computer or electronic device by cutting the electricity supply. It is often used when you want to save energy or protect the device from damage.
What are the different verb forms of “power down”?
| Root Verb | power down |
| Third Person Singular Present | powers down |
| Present Participle | powering down |
| Simple Past | powered down |
| Past Participle | powered down |
Example
Before leaving the office, I always power down my computer.
Example
She powers down her laptop before going to bed.
Example
He is powering down the system for maintenance.
Example
Yesterday, they powered down all the machines for cleaning.
Example
The devices were powered down during the power outage.
What kind of phrasal verb is “power 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
“power 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
Please power down the computer before leaving.
Example
He powered down the machine for maintenance.
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
“power 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
Please power down the computer before leaving.
Example
He powered down the machine for maintenance.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “power down”?
Good things to know
Does “power down” have an informal or formal tone?
Power 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 used in more formal settings, such as in technical discussions or written instructions.
