What are the definitions of “tear down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Demolish.
The estate was TORN DOWN so that they could develop the land into luxury flats.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tear down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tear down is to demolish or destroy a building or structure. For example, it can mean taking down an old building to make space for a new one.
What are the different verb forms of “tear down”?
| Root Verb | tear down |
| Third Person Singular Present | tears down |
| Present Participle | tearing down |
| Simple Past | tore down |
| Past Participle | torn down |
Example
They plan to tear down the old factory.
Example
The construction company tears down old buildings to make way for new ones.
Example
The workers are tearing down the old house to build a new one.
Example
They tore down the old stadium last year.
Example
The old building has been torn down to make space for a park.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tear 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
“tear 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
The city tore down the abandoned building.
Example
They tore the old house down to build a new one.
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
“tear 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 city tore down the abandoned building.
Example
They tore the old house down to build a new one.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tear down”?
Good things to know
Does “tear down” have an informal or formal tone?
Tear down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news reports or official documents.
