Phrasal verb
hose down
Definition
phrasal verb. to wash or clean something using a hose that sprays water. You use this when you need to clean a car, a floor, or even a person after they get very dirty.
phrasal verb. to wash or drench something or someone thoroughly by using a hose. The verb is transitive and allows for object placement between the verb and particle.
Examples
“I need to hose down the car before we leave.”
“After the football match, the coach had to hose down the muddy equipment before putting it away.”
“The sanitation crew spent the early hours of the morning hosing down the plaza to remove the debris left behind by the festival crowds.”
Examples
simple
“I need to hose down the car before we leave.”
contextual
“After the football match, the coach had to hose down the muddy equipment before putting it away.”
complex
“The sanitation crew spent the early hours of the morning hosing down the plaza to remove the debris left behind by the festival crowds.”
Usage
This phrase is commonly used for large objects, outdoor areas, or animals.
Teaching tip
Use this to teach the 'optional' separability of phrasal verbs, as both 'hose down the dog' and 'hose the dog down' are correct.
Pitfall
I hosed down of the patio.
I hosed down the patio.
the verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
hose + down + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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