What are the definitions of “stand down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave a job or position so that someone else can take it.
The minister announced her intention to STAND DOWN at the next election.
- 2Finish being asked questions in a court.
The judge told the witness to STAND DOWN after the questioning.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stand down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stand down is to leave a job or position so that someone else can take it. It is often used in the context of politics, military, or other leadership roles.
What are the different verb forms of “stand down”?
| Root Verb | stand down |
| Third Person Singular Present | stands down |
| Present Participle | standing down |
| Simple Past | stood down |
| Past Participle | stood down |
Example
The general decided to stand down after many years of service.
Example
The CEO stands down next month, and a new leader will take over.
Example
She is standing down from her position as chairperson of the committee.
Example
He stood down as the team captain last year.
Example
The politician had stood down to spend more time with his family.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stand 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
“stand 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
The president announced that he would stand down at the end of his term.
Example
After serving for many years, the principal decided to stand down.
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
“stand 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 president announced that he would stand down at the end of his term.
Example
After serving for many years, the principal decided to stand down.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stand down”?
Good things to know
Does “stand down” have an informal or formal tone?
Stand down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in political, military, and legal situations, as well as in everyday conversations.
