WEAR DOWN

National Parks

📖 Definition

To wear down means to gradually exhaust or weaken someone or something through persistent pressure or repeated actions, leading to eventual surrender or capitulation. This can occur physically or mentally through continuous effort or stress.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To wear down means to gradually exhaust or weaken someone or something through persistent pressure or repeated actions, leading to eventual surrender or capitulation. This can occur physically or mentally through continuous effort or stress.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can be placed between the verb and particle.
Register
Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple wear down The continuous pressure will wear down the resisting forces.
Past Simple wore down They wore down the opposition over several months.
Present Continuous wearing down The constant questioning is wearing down his patience.
Present Perfect have worn down The nurses have worn down the fever with dedication.

💡 When to Use

During prolonged negotiations
Use when a person persistently maintains their position until the opposing party concedes.
Example: "Through patience, they wore down the committee's resistance."
In efforts to decrease resistance
Applied when consistent action results in reduced resistance or opposition.
Example: "The repetitive questioning wore down the suspect's defense."
In fatigue from repetitive tasks
Utilized when repetitive mundane tasks lead to mental or physical fatigue.
Example: "The endless paperwork wore down the office staff."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb tense
❌ Wrong: They have wear down their opponents.
✅ Correct: They have worn down their opponents.
💡 Tip: Remember that 'worn' is the past participle of 'wear'.
Incorrect placement of object
❌ Wrong: They wore them down quickly.
✅ Correct: They wore down them quickly.
💡 Tip: Place the object after the particle when needed.
Using 'wear' without context
❌ Wrong: This wear the mind down.
✅ Correct: This wears the mind down.
💡 Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement for singular subjects.
Practice

WEAR DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

erode diminish

Antonyms

strengthen

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Daily stress can ___ anyone's resolve."

wore down
wear down
wearing down
worn down

"As the relentless tide wears down the rocks, so too does time wear down the strongest of resolves."

In Context

In 1781, General George Washington faced an arduous military campaign against British forces during the American Revolutionary War. The British, under General Cornwallis, settled in Yorktown, Virginia, with their fortified positions appearing formidable. However, Washington, alongside French allies, was determined to wear down the British defenses. The siege of Yorktown commenced in September and was marked by systematic bombardment and encirclement. The British were slowly worn down by continuous artillery fire and the effective blockade that cut off their supplies. The strategy employed by Washington was not merely a direct clash but a relentless wearing down of resources and morale. By mid-October, the British forces were significantly depleted and demoralized. Cornwallis, realizing that reinforcements were unlikely and his troops were exhausted, ultimately decided to surrender. The wearing down strategy employed by Washington was pivotal in this decisive victory, marking the end of major hostilities in the war. The ability to adapt and apply pressure strategically without direct confrontation illustrated the power of wearing down an opponent over time until they meet their breaking point.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Wear Down

What is the origin of wear down?

+
The phrase 'wear down' originates from the physical act of wearing, associated with clothing and objects becoming thin or diminished through friction or use, extending metaphorically to mental or emotional states.

Can wear down be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'wear down' is used across both formal and informal contexts. In formal contexts, it’s often seen in literature and reports, while in informal settings, it might be used in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between wear down and erode?

+
'Wear down' conveys a sense of exhaustion or weakening usually through persistent effort or stress, whereas 'erode' implies a more natural, gradual deterioration, often through environmental factors like wind or water.

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cut backcut downcut down onturn toturn up
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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