What are the definitions of “be down on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have negative feelings toward someone.
After the argument, James is DOWN ON his boss.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “be down on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb be down on is to have negative feelings or a bad opinion about someone or something. It is often used when someone is unhappy or disappointed with a person or situation.
What are the different verb forms of “be down on”?
| Root Verb | be down on |
| Third Person Singular Present | is down on |
| Present Participle | being down on |
| Simple Past | was/were down on |
| Past Participle | been down on |
Example
She is down on her coworker after the disagreement.
Example
He is down on his friend for not helping him.
Example
She is being down on her sister for not calling her.
Example
They were down on their team after the loss.
Example
He had been down on his boss since the promotion was denied.
What kind of phrasal verb is “be down on”?
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 on” 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 on her coworker.
Example
He was down on his friend.
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 on” 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 on her coworker.
Example
He was down on his friend.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “be down on”?
Be down on one's luck
To be experiencing a period of bad fortune or difficulty.
Example
After losing his job, he was down on his luck and struggled to find a new one.
Be down on oneself
To have negative feelings about oneself or to be self-critical.
Example
She is down on herself for not performing well in the exam.
Good things to know
Does “be down on” have an informal or formal tone?
Be down on is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use alternatives such as 'have negative feelings toward' or 'disapprove of'.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “be down on”?
Synonyms
- dislike
- disapprove of
- resent
- hold a grudge against
- be critical of
- be unhappy with
Antonyms
- approve of
- like
- praise
- support
- be happy with
- be positive about
