Phrasal Verbs 6 – up/down
Master phrasal verbs with up and down: physical movement, destruction, reduction, and common workplace expressions
Up vs. Down: Opposite Directions
Many phrasal verbs with up and down describe opposite physical movements. Think of up as going higher or putting something in place, and down as removing or lowering.
| up (higher / in place) | down (lower / removed) |
|---|---|
| put up = attach to a wall or surface | take down = remove from a wall or surface |
| pick up = lift from a lower position | put down = place on a surface, release |
| stand up = rise to your feet | sit down / bend down / lie down = lower your body |
| turn up = increase volume, heat, etc. | turn down = decrease volume, heat, etc. |
- We put up a new company logo in the lobby last week.
- The old safety poster was outdated, so I took it down.
- There were papers all over the floor. I picked them up and sorted them.
- She finished her notes and put down her pen.
- Everyone stood up when the director walked in.
- I can barely hear the presenter. Can you turn up the volume?
- The air conditioning is too cold. Could you turn it down a little?
Down = Destroying or Removing Something Completely
Several phrasal verbs with down describe destroying, demolishing, or eliminating something entirely.
| Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| knock down | demolish (a building); also: hit by a vehicle |
| cut down | cut a tree so it falls |
| blow down | fall because of strong wind |
| burn down | be destroyed by fire completely |
- They knocked down the old warehouse to build a new parking garage.
- A pedestrian was knocked down near the office entrance this morning.
- Several trees were blown down during last night’s storm.
- The factory burnt down before the fire crew could save it.
Down = Getting Less
When you see down with certain verbs, the idea is reduction — less speed, less emotion, less quantity.
| Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| slow down | reduce speed |
| calm down | become less upset or agitated |
| cut down (on) | reduce how much or how often |
- We’re approaching a school zone — slow down.
- The client was furious about the delay. It took a while to calm him down.
- I’m trying to cut down on overtime. I’ve been working too many late nights.
Other Important Phrasal Verbs with Down
These come up constantly in business and daily life. Learn them as fixed expressions.
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| break down | stop working (machines, cars); fail (relationships, negotiations) | The printer broke down again right before the deadline. |
| close down / shut down | stop operating permanently (a business, a branch) | The downtown branch closed down last year due to low foot traffic. |
| let somebody down | disappoint someone by not doing what they expected | I promised my team I’d finish the report on time. I didn’t want to let them down. |
| turn down | refuse or reject (an offer, an application, a request) | She was offered the position but turned it down because of the commute. |
| write down | record on paper or in a file so you don’t forget | The manager gave us the new WiFi password. Make sure you write it down. |
Notice that turn down has two meanings: reduce (volume, temperature) and reject (an offer). Context makes it clear.
- I applied for a transfer, but my request was turned down. (= rejected)
- The music in the break room was too loud, so I turned it down. (= reduced the volume)
Quick Self-Check
The office building was old and unsafe, so they decided to _____ it _____.
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You can count on Sarah. She will never _____ you _____.
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I spend too much on takeout lunches. I really need to _____ _____.
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The projector _____ _____ in the middle of the client presentation. It was embarrassing.
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They offered him a senior role in Tokyo, but he _____ it _____ because his family didn't want to relocate.
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