Phrasal verb
slam down
Definition
phrasal verb. to put something onto a surface very hard and fast, usually because you are angry or in a hurry.
phrasal verb. to place an object onto a surface with significant force and noise. Transitive; often used to convey frustration, aggression, or a sense of finality in an action.
Examples
“He slammed down the phone after the argument.”
“Frustrated by the constant interruptions, the manager slammed down his notebook and walked out of the meeting.”
“The judge slammed down the gavel, effectively silencing the murmurs that had begun to ripple through the crowded courtroom.”
Examples
simple
“He slammed down the phone after the argument.”
contextual
“Frustrated by the constant interruptions, the manager slammed down his notebook and walked out of the meeting.”
complex
“The judge slammed down the gavel, effectively silencing the murmurs that had begun to ripple through the crowded courtroom.”
Usage
usually takes a physical object like a phone, a book, or a glass.
Teaching tip
use this to teach the 'forceful' nuance of the verb 'slam' compared to 'put' or 'place'; it is a great example of how particles like 'down' add directional intensity to a base verb.
Pitfall
He slammed down to the table his keys.
He slammed his keys down on the table.
the direct object should typically come before the particle 'down' or immediately after it, but not be separated from the verb by a prepositional phrase.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
slam + object + down
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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