What are the definitions of “step down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave a job or position so that someone can take over.
The CEO STEPPED DOWN after the share price dropped.
- 2Reduce.
Production is being STEPPED DOWN because demand has dropped.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “step down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb step down is to leave a job or position so that someone else can take over. It often refers to someone in a leadership or high-ranking position, such as a CEO or a politician, who decides to resign or retire.
What are the different verb forms of “step down”?
| Root Verb | step down |
| Third Person Singular Present | steps down |
| Present Participle | stepping down |
| Simple Past | stepped down |
| Past Participle | stepped down |
Example
The manager decided to step down after many years of service.
Example
She steps down as the president of the company next month.
Example
He is stepping down from his position as the head of the department.
Example
The director stepped down after the scandal.
Example
He had stepped down from his role as CEO before the investigation began.
What kind of phrasal verb is “step 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
“step 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 CEO stepped down after the share price dropped.
Example
She stepped down from her position as the head of the department.
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
“step 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 CEO stepped down after the share price dropped.
Example
She stepped down from her position as the head of the department.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “step down”?
To take on a role with fewer responsibilities.
Example
After many years in management, he chose to step down in responsibility and focus on teaching.
Good things to know
Does “step down” have an informal or formal tone?
Step down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in professional settings, such as when discussing job changes or resignations, but can also be used in casual conversations.
