What are the definitions of “talk down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to make something sound less important.
The company CEO TALKED DOWN the recent fall in shares.
- 2Persuade someone not to jump off a high place to kill themselves.
A man was threatening to jump off the building but the police TALKED him DOWN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “talk down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb talk down is to make something or someone seem less important or valuable than they really are. This can be used in various situations, such as discussing a problem, a person's achievements, or an event.
What are the different verb forms of “talk down”?
| Root Verb | talk down |
| Third Person Singular Present | talks down |
| Present Participle | talking down |
| Simple Past | talked down |
| Past Participle | talked down |
Example
She always tries to talk down her accomplishments.
Example
He talks down the importance of the issue.
Example
They are talking down the significance of the event.
Example
Yesterday, she talked down the impact of the decision.
Example
The issue has been talked down by the media.
What kind of phrasal verb is “talk 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
“talk 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 talked down her achievements.
Example
He talked the issue down in the meeting.
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
“talk 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 talked down her achievements.
Example
He talked the issue down in the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “talk down”?
Good things to know
Does “talk down” have an informal or formal tone?
Talk down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or news reports. The context and tone of the conversation will determine the level of formality.
