What are the definitions of “shoot down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To reject or defeat something decisively.
Each proposal was shot down in flames.
- 2To cause something to fall by shooting at it.
The airliner was shot down by mistake.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “shoot down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb shoot down is to reject or defeat something decisively. It is often used when talking about ideas, proposals, or suggestions that are not accepted or are strongly criticized.
What are the different verb forms of “shoot down”?
| Root Verb | shoot down |
| Third Person Singular Present | shoots down |
| Present Participle | shooting down |
| Simple Past | shot down |
| Past Participle | shot down |
Example
She tried to shoot down his argument during the debate.
Example
He always shoots down any new ideas during meetings.
Example
They are shooting down all the suggestions made by the new employee.
Example
The committee shot down the proposal for a new project.
Example
Her idea was shot down by the team leader.
What kind of phrasal verb is “shoot 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
“shoot 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
The manager shot down the employee's suggestion.
Example
The teacher shot the student's idea down during the discussion.
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
“shoot 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 manager shot down the employee's suggestion.
Example
The teacher shot the student's idea down during the discussion.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “shoot down”?
Good things to know
Does “shoot down” have an informal or formal tone?
Shoot down is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'reject', 'dismiss', or 'disapprove'.
