What are the definitions of “smash down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Demolish or break something down.
The police SMASHED the door DOWN DOWN to get into the house.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “smash down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb smash down is to demolish or break something down, usually with force. It can refer to breaking down a door, a wall, or any other structure.
What are the different verb forms of “smash down”?
| Root Verb | smash down |
| Third Person Singular Present | smashes down |
| Present Participle | smashing down |
| Simple Past | smashed down |
| Past Participle | smashed down |
Example
The workers will smash down the old building to make way for the new one.
Example
He smashes down the old fence to replace it with a new one.
Example
The construction crew is smashing down the walls to create an open floor plan.
Example
The storm smashed down several trees in the park.
Example
The old shed was smashed down to clear space for a garden.
What kind of phrasal verb is “smash 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
“smash 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 workers smashed down the old building.
Example
The storm smashed the trees down in the park.
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
“smash 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 workers smashed down the old building.
Example
The storm smashed the trees down in the park.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “smash down”?
Good things to know
Does “smash down” have an informal or formal tone?
Smash down is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday speech or casual writing. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'demolish' or 'break down' may be more appropriate.
