What are the definitions of “turn down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Reduce volume, temperature, etc..
The room was too hot, so she TURNED the heating DOWN.
- 2Reject an offer, invitation, etc..
They offered her the job, but she TURNED it DOWN.
- 3Fold the top covers of a bed down to make it ready for someone to go to sleep.
The hotel staff TURNED DOWN the bed and scattered flower petals on it while we was having dinner.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “turn down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb turn down is to reduce the volume, temperature, or intensity of something. For example, it can mean lowering the volume of music, decreasing the heat in a room, or dimming the brightness of a light.
What are the different verb forms of “turn down”?
| Root Verb | turn down |
| Third Person Singular Present | turns down |
| Present Participle | turning down |
| Simple Past | turned down |
| Past Participle | turned down |
Example
Please turn down the music; it's too loud.
Example
She always turns down the heat before going to bed.
Example
He is turning down the brightness on his phone.
Example
Yesterday, they turned down the offer to buy their house.
Example
The job offer was turned down by the candidate.
What kind of phrasal verb is “turn 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
“turn 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 turned down the volume on the TV.
Example
He turned the heat down in the room.
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
“turn 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 turned down the volume on the TV.
Example
He turned the heat down in the room.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “turn down”?
Turn down an invitation
To decline an invitation to an event or gathering.
Example
She turned down the invitation to the party because she was too busy.
Good things to know
Does “turn down” have an informal or formal tone?
Turn 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, such as business negotiations or official communications, depending on the specific context.
