What are the definitions of “pull down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Demolish.
They PULLED the old cinema DOWN to build a new shopping mall.
- 2Make someone depressed.
Losing her job PULLED her DOWN.
- 3Earn.
He's PULLING DOWN a fortune.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pull down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pull down is to demolish or destroy a building or structure. It is often used when talking about tearing down old buildings to make space for new ones.
What are the different verb forms of “pull down”?
| Root Verb | pull down |
| Third Person Singular Present | pulls down |
| Present Participle | pulling down |
| Simple Past | pulled down |
| Past Participle | pulled down |
Example
The city decided to pull down the abandoned factory.
Example
She pulls down the old posters from her wall.
Example
The construction crew is pulling down the old building.
Example
They pulled down the old house to build a new one.
Example
The old bridge was pulled down to make way for a new one.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pull 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
“pull 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 workers pulled down the old fence.
Example
She pulled the curtains down to let in the sunlight.
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
“pull 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 workers pulled down the old fence.
Example
She pulled the curtains down to let in the sunlight.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pull down”?
Good things to know
Does “pull down” have an informal or formal tone?
Pull 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 in reports or presentations, depending on the specific context.
