What are the definitions of “track down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Find after a long search.
It took me ages to TRACK them DOWN in the crowd at the football game.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “track down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb track down is to find something or someone after a long and difficult search. It often implies that the person or thing being searched for is difficult to locate or has been missing for some time.
What are the different verb forms of “track down”?
| Root Verb | track down |
| Third Person Singular Present | tracks down |
| Present Participle | tracking down |
| Simple Past | tracked down |
| Past Participle | tracked down |
Example
The detective was hired to track down the missing person.
Example
She tracks down rare books for her collection.
Example
He is tracking down the source of the problem.
Example
They tracked down the lost dog after a week of searching.
Example
The stolen painting was finally tracked down and returned to the museum.
What kind of phrasal verb is “track 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
“track 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 police tracked down the suspect.
Example
She tracked the package down online.
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
“track 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 police tracked down the suspect.
Example
She tracked the package down online.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “track down”?
To search for and find specific information, often through research or investigation.
Example
The journalist tracked down information about the company's financial dealings.
Good things to know
Does “track down” have an informal or formal tone?
Track down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in professional or academic writing.
