What are the definitions of “sponge down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Clean something with a sponge.
I'll SPONGE it DOWN before putting it away.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sponge down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sponge down is to clean something using a sponge, usually with water or a cleaning solution. This can be used for cleaning surfaces, objects, or even a person's body.
What are the different verb forms of “sponge down”?
| Root Verb | sponge down |
| Third Person Singular Present | sponges down |
| Present Participle | sponging down |
| Simple Past | sponged down |
| Past Participle | sponged down |
Example
After the party, we had to sponge down the tables.
Example
She sponges down the kitchen counter every day.
Example
He is sponging down the dirty dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
Example
Yesterday, they sponged down the bathroom tiles.
Example
The car was sponged down and dried before being waxed.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sponge 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
“sponge 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 sponged down the dirty table.
Example
He sponged the table down after dinner.
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
“sponge 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 sponged down the dirty table.
Example
He sponged the table down after dinner.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sponge down”?
Good things to know
Does “sponge down” have an informal or formal tone?
Sponge down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in written instructions or professional communication.
