What are the definitions of “water down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something weaker and less effective.
The Freedom of Information Act was WATERED DOWN by the Government and didn't give ordinary people much access to official data files.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “water down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb water down is to make something weaker or less effective. This can refer to diluting a liquid, reducing the strength of an argument, or making a law less powerful.
What are the different verb forms of “water down”?
| Root Verb | water down |
| Third Person Singular Present | waters down |
| Present Participle | watering down |
| Simple Past | watered down |
| Past Participle | watered down |
Example
The chef decided to water down the soup because it was too salty.
Example
She waters down her juice to reduce the sugar content.
Example
The government is watering down the new regulations to make them less strict.
Example
They watered down the proposal to gain more support.
Example
The final version of the bill was watered down to appease the opposition.
What kind of phrasal verb is “water 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
“water 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 teacher watered down the lesson to make it easier for the students.
Example
He watered the coffee down because it was too strong.
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
“water 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 teacher watered down the lesson to make it easier for the students.
Example
He watered the coffee down because it was too strong.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “water down”?
Good things to know
Does “water down” have an informal or formal tone?
Water 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 discussing laws, regulations, or policies.
