What are the definitions of “talk down to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Talk in a way to show your superiority not communicate.
She's a dreadful teacher and TALKS DOWN TO her students instead of teaching them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “talk down to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb talk down to is to speak to someone in a way that makes them feel inferior or less intelligent. This can be done by using a condescending tone, overly simple language, or treating the person as if they are not capable of understanding complex ideas.
What are the different verb forms of “talk down to”?
| Root Verb | talk down to |
| Third Person Singular Present | talks down to |
| Present Participle | talking down to |
| Simple Past | talked down to |
| Past Participle | talked down to |
Example
He always talks down to his younger brother.
Example
She talks down to her employees, making them feel unimportant.
Example
He is talking down to the new intern, which is not helpful.
Example
Yesterday, the manager talked down to the staff during the meeting.
Example
She felt insulted because she had been talked down to by her colleague.
What kind of phrasal verb is “talk 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
“talk 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 talked down to his younger brother.
Example
She talked down to her employees.
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 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 talked down to his younger brother.
Example
She talked down to her employees.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “talk down to”?
Talk down
To speak negatively about someone or something, often in an attempt to diminish their importance or value.
Example
He always talks down the achievements of others to make himself look better.
Good things to know
Does “talk down to” have an informal or formal tone?
Talk down to is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, the act of talking down to someone is generally considered impolite and disrespectful.
