TAKE DOWN

National Parks

📖 Definition

To take down means to write or record notes, to dismantle or remove an object, or to humble or lower someone's self-esteem or position.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To take down means to write or record notes, to dismantle or remove an object, or to humble or lower someone's self-esteem or position.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The phrase can be split: 'take it down' or 'take down the notes.'
Register
Neutral
Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple take down Please take down the meeting agenda.
Past Simple took down She took down the Christmas decorations yesterday.
Present Continuous taking down He is taking down the tent after the camping trip.
Present Perfect have taken down They have taken down the old posters already.

💡 When to Use

Writing or recording information
Use when noting or transcribing information for future reference.
Example: "Please take down my contact details for future use."
Dismantling structures
Use when physically dismantling or removing objects or structures.
Example: "Workers took down the scaffolding after the project."
Humbling or lowering status
Use when describing an act of humbling someone or reducing their status.
Example: "The scandal took down many officials from power."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: Take down it now.
✅ Correct: Take it down now.
💡 Tip: Remember, pronouns go between 'take' and 'down'.
Confusing with 'write down'
❌ Wrong: Can you take down this manuscript?
✅ Correct: Can you write down this manuscript?
💡 Tip: 'Take down' often implies more than writing, like dismantling.
Neglecting object requirement
❌ Wrong: She took down yesterday.
✅ Correct: She took down the tent yesterday.
💡 Tip: Always include the object being taken down.
Practice

TAKE 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

dismantle record

Antonyms

erect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She needed to ___ all the instructions during the lecture."

put down
take down
write in
build up

"To take down walls built by ignorance is to pave the way for wisdom and understanding to flourish among humankind."

In Context

The Watergate scandal in the early 1970s shook the political landscape of the United States. Richard Nixon's presidency met its downfall due to the systematic efforts to take down the integrity of the democratic process. Journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein played pivotal roles as they meticulously took down notes and testimonies that eventually led to uncovering the widespread corruption within the White House. Initially, the story began with a minor burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. However, their relentless pursuit for truth enabled them to take down intricate details of the administration’s cover-up efforts. As the information became public, the nation's trust in its leaders abated, and Congress initiated impeachment proceedings. The tapes, which were eventually taken down word by word, revealed Nixon's involvement, compelling him to resign in 1974. The Watergate scandal thus remains a profound lesson on how the objective recording of events can take down even the most powerful figures, reinforcing the importance of accountability in governance.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take Down

What is the origin of take down?

+
The phrase 'take down' emerged in the early 18th century as a literary term to describe physically lowering or recording something in writing.

Can take down be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Take down' is versatile enough for formal and informal contexts. It can fit professional scenarios or casual conversations when describing dismantling or noting.

What is the difference between take down and dismantle?

+
‘Take down’ can imply writing or humbling in addition to dismantling, while 'dismantle' strictly refers to taking apart a structure or system.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

do away withtear downbring downthrow outwipe out
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra NĂłbrega
About the Author

Alessandra NĂłbrega

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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