What does the phrasal verb “settle down” mean?

What are the definitions of “settle down”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Start living a fixed and routine life.

  After years of partying and drinking, she finally got married and SETTLED DOWN.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “settle down”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb settle down is to start living a stable, routine life, often after a period of change or excitement. This can include getting married, starting a family, or finding a stable job.

What are the different verb forms of “settle down”?

Root Verb	settle down
Third Person Singular Present	settles down
Present Participle	settling down
Simple Past	settled down
Past Participle	settled down

Example

After traveling the world, he decided to settle down and start a family.

Example

She settles down in her new job and enjoys the routine.

Example

They are settling down in their new home and making friends in the neighborhood.

Example

He settled down after college and focused on his career.

Example

She had settled down by the time she turned 30.

What kind of phrasal verb is “settle down”?

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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

“settle 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

After years of traveling, they decided to settle down.

Example

She settled down after getting married.

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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

“settle 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

After years of traveling, they decided to settle down.

Example

She settled down after getting married.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “settle down”?

Settle down with someone

To start a stable, committed relationship or marriage with someone.

Example

She settled down with her high school sweetheart and they have been happily married for 20 years.

Settle down in a place

To choose a specific location to live in and establish a stable life.

Example

After living in several cities, they finally settled down in a quiet town by the sea.

Settle down to do something

To start focusing on a task or activity, often after a period of distraction or rest.

Example

After a short break, she settled down to finish her work.

Good things to know

Does “settle down” have an informal or formal tone?

Settle 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 written articles or presentations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “settle down”?

Synonyms

• stabilize
• establish
• become stable
• calm down
• find a home
• put down roots
• start a family

Antonyms

• disrupt
• unsettle
• move
• change
• roam
• travel
• wander