What are the definitions of “drag down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To lower someone's mood or bring someone down to a lower level.
Don’t let yourself be dragged down to his level.
- 2To make someone feel sad or depressed.
I don’t mean to drag you down with all my problems.
- 3To cause someone to become worse or less successful.
If you’re not careful he’ll end up dragging you down with him.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drag down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drag down is to make someone feel sad, depressed, or less successful. It can be used to describe a situation or a person that negatively affects someone's mood, performance, or well-being.
What are the different verb forms of “drag down”?
| Root Verb | drag down |
| Third Person Singular Present | drags down |
| Present Participle | dragging down |
| Simple Past | dragged down |
| Past Participle | dragged down |
Example
Don't let negative thoughts drag you down.
Example
His constant complaining drags down the whole team.
Example
The heavy workload is dragging down her performance.
Example
The bad news dragged down everyone's mood.
Example
She felt dragged down by her friend's negativity.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drag 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
“drag 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
His negative attitude dragged down the whole group.
Example
The bad news dragged her down.
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
“drag 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
His negative attitude dragged down the whole group.
Example
The bad news dragged her down.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drag down”?
Good things to know
Does “drag down” have an informal or formal tone?
Drag 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 in business or academic discussions, depending on the specific context.
