What are the definitions of “be down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be depressed.
He's BEEN DOWN since his partner left him.
- 2Be reduced or less.
The firm's profits ARE DOWN by ten percent this quarter.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “be down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb be down is to feel sad or depressed. It is often used to describe someone's emotional state when they are unhappy or experiencing a difficult situation.
What are the different verb forms of “be down”?
| Root Verb | be down |
| Third Person Singular Present | is down |
| Present Participle | being down |
| Simple Past | was/were down |
| Past Participle | been down |
Example
She is down because she didn't get the job.
Example
He is down after his team lost the game.
Example
She has been being down since her friend moved away.
Example
They were down after their vacation plans got canceled.
Example
He has been down since his partner left him.
What kind of phrasal verb is “be 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.)
Intransitive verb
“be down” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She is down because of the bad news.
Example
He was down after the breakup.
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
“be 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
She is down because of the bad news.
Example
He was down after the breakup.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “be down”?
Be down with
To agree with or support something.
Example
I am down with going to the movies tonight.
Be down to
To have only a few options or choices left.
Example
We are down to the last two candidates for the job.
Be down on
To be critical or negative about someone or something.
Example
She is down on herself for not getting a promotion.
Good things to know
Does “be down” have an informal or formal tone?
Be down is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative expressions, such as 'feel sad' or 'be depressed'.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “be down”?
Synonyms
- feel sad
- be depressed
- be unhappy
- be upset
- be low
- be disheartened
Antonyms
- be happy
- be cheerful
- be elated
- be joyful
- be content
- be satisfied
