What are the definitions of “touch down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Land ( planes ).
The plane TOUCHED DOWN at Narita airport an hour late.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “touch down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb touch down is when an airplane lands on the ground. It refers to the moment when the wheels of the plane make contact with the ground.
What are the different verb forms of “touch down”?
| Root Verb | touch down |
| Third Person Singular Present | touches down |
| Present Participle | touching down |
| Simple Past | touched down |
| Past Participle | touched down |
Example
The plane touched down safely after a long flight.
Example
The airplane touches down at the airport in the evening.
Example
The aircraft is touching down on the runway right now.
Example
The flight touched down at the destination an hour late.
Example
The plane had touched down before we reached the airport.
What kind of phrasal verb is “touch 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.)
Intransitive verb
“touch down” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The airplane touched down smoothly.
Example
The helicopter touched down on the helipad.
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
“touch 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 airplane touched down smoothly.
Example
The helicopter touched down on the helipad.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “touch down”?
Touchdown (noun)
In American football, a touchdown is the act of carrying the ball across the opponent's goal line or catching a pass in the end zone, resulting in points being scored.
Example
The team scored a touchdown in the final seconds of the game.
Touchdown (noun)
In space exploration, touchdown refers to the moment when a spacecraft or rover lands on the surface of a celestial body.
Example
The Mars rover successfully achieved touchdown on the planet's surface.
Good things to know
Does “touch down” have an informal or formal tone?
Touch down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, news reports, and technical discussions related to aviation.
