What are the definitions of “sit down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Help someone to sit.
The nurse SAT me DOWN in a chair.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sit down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sit down is to lower your body into a sitting position, usually on a chair or other surface. It can also mean to help someone else sit.
What are the different verb forms of “sit down”?
| Root Verb | sit down |
| Third Person Singular Present | sits down |
| Present Participle | sitting down |
| Simple Past | sat down |
| Past Participle | sat down |
Example
Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.
Example
She sits down at her desk every morning to start work.
Example
He is sitting down to have lunch with his friends.
Example
Yesterday, they sat down together to discuss the project.
Example
After a long day, she sat down on the couch to relax.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sit 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
“sit 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
Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.
Example
She sat down at her desk to start work.
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
“sit 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 sit down and make yourself comfortable.
Example
She sat down at her desk to start work.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sit down”?
Sit-down meal
A meal where people sit at a table to eat, as opposed to a buffet or standing meal.
Example
We're planning a sit-down dinner for our wedding reception.
Sit-down strike
A type of protest where workers refuse to work and remain seated at their workplace.
Example
The employees staged a sit-down strike to demand better working conditions.
Good things to know
Does “sit down” have an informal or formal tone?
Sit down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
