What are the definitions of “tie down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Secure something to prevent it moving.
They TIED him DOWN to stop him escaping.
- 2Remove or restrict freedom.
Marriage TIES you DOWN.
- 3Stop people ( often police or military ) going where they are needed.
The army were TIED DOWN with the rebellion and couldn't help.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tie down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tie down is to secure something or someone to prevent them from moving. This can be used in various situations, such as tying down a load on a truck or securing a person to prevent them from escaping.
What are the different verb forms of “tie down”?
| Root Verb | tie down |
| Third Person Singular Present | ties down |
| Present Participle | tying down |
| Simple Past | tied down |
| Past Participle | tied down |
Example
Make sure to tie down the luggage on the roof of the car.
Example
He ties down the tarp to protect the equipment from the rain.
Example
She is tying down the tent to keep it from blowing away.
Example
They tied down the boat to the dock before the storm hit.
Example
The cargo was tied down securely in the truck.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tie 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
“tie 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 tied down the tarp to protect the equipment.
Example
He tied the boat down to the dock.
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
“tie 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 tied down the tarp to protect the equipment.
Example
He tied the boat down to the dock.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tie down”?
Tie up resources
Occupy or use resources, such as time or money, so they are not available for other purposes.
Example
The project tied up a lot of our budget, leaving little for other initiatives.
Good things to know
Does “tie down” have an informal or formal tone?
Tie down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context. For example, when discussing securing cargo or equipment, it can have a more formal tone.
