What are the definitions of “quieten down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Fall silent.
The audience QUIETENED DOWN when the lights were switched off in the auditorium and the play was ready to begin.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “quieten down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb quieten down is to become silent or less noisy. It is often used when people or things make less noise after being loud or noisy. For example, it can be used when a group of people stops talking or when a machine becomes less noisy.
What are the different verb forms of “quieten down”?
| Root Verb | quieten down |
| Third Person Singular Present | quietens down |
| Present Participle | quietening down |
| Simple Past | quietened down |
| Past Participle | quietened down |
Example
The children need to quieten down before bedtime.
Example
The dog quietens down when its owner comes home.
Example
The party is quietening down as people start to leave.
Example
The class quietened down when the teacher entered the room.
Example
The noise quietened down after the construction work was finished.
What kind of phrasal verb is “quieten 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
“quieten 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 crowd quietened down as the speaker approached the podium.
Example
The wind quietened down after the storm passed.
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
“quieten 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 crowd quietened down as the speaker approached the podium.
Example
The wind quietened down after the storm passed.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “quieten down”?
Good things to know
Does “quieten down” have an informal or formal tone?
Quieten down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a classroom or during a presentation.
