Phrasal verb
run down
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
run down
Past
ran down
Past participle
run down
Definition
phrasal verb. to criticize someone or something in an unkind way. You use this when you talk about someone's faults or make them seem less important.
phrasal verb. to criticize someone or something, often unfairly or persistently. This transitive verb is primarily used in informal British English and allows the object to be placed between the verb and the particle.
Examples
“Why do you always run down your own achievements?”
“She tends to run down the local schools, even though she has never actually visited any of them herself.”
“The critic was notorious for running down debut novels, often focusing on minor stylistic choices while ignoring the broader thematic ambitions of the authors.”
Examples
simple
“Why do you always run down your own achievements?”
contextual
“She tends to run down the local schools, even though she has never actually visited any of them herself.”
complex
“The critic was notorious for running down debut novels, often focusing on minor stylistic choices while ignoring the broader thematic ambitions of the authors.”
Usage
often used when the speaker feels the criticism is unfair or unnecessary.
Teaching tip
mention that this is more common in British English and that 'put down' or 'bad-mouth' are common alternatives.
Pitfall
He is always running down them.
He is always running them down.
pronoun objects must be placed between the verb and the particle in this phrasal verb.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
run + 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.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
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/run-down