What are the definitions of “rub down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Dry or clean something with a cloth.
She RUBBED the horse DOWN with a towel after riding it.
- 2Massage or rub someone to help them relax.
The trainer RUBBED her DOWN after the race.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rub down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rub down is to dry or clean something with a cloth, such as a towel. It can also mean to massage or rub someone to help them relax, especially after physical activity.
What are the different verb forms of “rub down”?
| Root Verb | rub down |
| Third Person Singular Present | rubs down |
| Present Participle | rubbing down |
| Simple Past | rubbed down |
| Past Participle | rubbed down |
Example
After washing the car, he rubbed it down with a soft cloth.
Example
She rubs down the table after every meal.
Example
He is rubbing down the horse after a long ride.
Example
Yesterday, the masseuse rubbed down the athlete after the game.
Example
The car was rubbed down and polished to a shine.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rub 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
“rub 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
She rubbed down the horse after the race.
Example
He rubbed the table down with a cloth.
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
“rub 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
She rubbed down the horse after the race.
Example
He rubbed the table down with a cloth.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rub down”?
Good things to know
Does “rub down” have an informal or formal tone?
Rub 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 professional or medical contexts when discussing massages or physical therapy.
