What are the definitions of “strip down to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To remove clothing until only a specific item or layer remains.
He stripped down to his underwear.
- 2To remove all unnecessary parts or coverings.
She completely stripped down the engine.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “strip down to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb strip down to is to remove clothing until only a specific item or layer remains. For example, it can mean taking off clothes until only underwear is left, or removing layers of clothing until only a swimsuit is left.
What are the different verb forms of “strip down to”?
| Root Verb | strip down to |
| Third Person Singular Present | strips down to |
| Present Participle | stripping down to |
| Simple Past | stripped down to |
| Past Participle | stripped down to |
Example
She stripped down to her swimsuit before jumping into the pool.
Example
He strips down to his shorts when he exercises.
Example
She is stripping down to her base layer before putting on her ski gear.
Example
Yesterday, he stripped down to his underwear before going to bed.
Example
She had stripped down to her tank top because it was so hot outside.
What kind of phrasal verb is “strip down to”?
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
“strip down to” 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
He stripped down to his underwear.
Example
She stripped the engine down to its basic components.
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
“strip down to” 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
He stripped down to his underwear.
Example
She stripped the engine down to its basic components.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “strip down to”?
Good things to know
Does “strip down to” have an informal or formal tone?
Strip down to is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'reduce to' or 'remove clothing until' may be more appropriate.
