it takes down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it takes down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of removing or dismantling something, often in a figurative sense, such as taking down a website or a structure. Example: "The storm was so powerful that it takes down several trees in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Regarding the AAA data: each time the AAA adds the latest quarter of data, it takes down the oldest quarter.

Yale University

The results were predictable: when the economy teeters, it takes down transit money.

The New York Times

(In the interest of disclosure, however, Google has agreed to report all the links it takes down in response to government demands to chillingeffects.com, a Web site run by Harvard's Berkman Center that keeps a record of censored online materials).

The New York Times - Magazine

It supposedly tells you the time it takes, down to the minute, to learn about the form, keep records for it, prepare it, and copy and mail it.

Forbes

It takes down your first and last name, phone number, and the company you work for, along with taking a pic and taking down the name of the person you're visiting.

TechCrunch

It takes down communications, takes down missile systems, takes down the counter attack…".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He instantly ordered it taken down.

The New Yorker

"I'd like it taken down".

The New York Times

Then it took down the product page itself.

The New York Times - Tech

So, if you watch the speech, it took down Carson.

The Washington Post

It took down 80 videos, but left others up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it takes down" to describe a forceful or decisive removal, whether physical or metaphorical. For instance, "The software update it takes down the outdated version."

Common error

Ensure the verb tense of "takes" aligns with the intended timeframe. Avoid using "it takes down" when "it took down" (past tense) or "it will take down" (future tense) is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes down" functions as a verb phrase, where 'it' is the subject, 'takes' is the verb, and 'down' is a particle. It indicates an action of removing, dismantling, or defeating something. Ludwig shows this in various contexts, from dismantling systems to defeating opponents.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it takes down" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of removing, dismantling, or defeating something, as validated by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and varied contexts demonstrate its common use across different registers. While the phrase is generally neutral, it is essential to choose the correct tense to align with the intended timeframe. Consider alternatives like "it brings down" or "it dismantles" for nuanced meanings. Primarily found in News & Media and Academia, it serves to express forceful or decisive removal, physical or metaphorical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it brings down

Similar meaning, slightly different phrasing. It can also imply causing someone's downfall.

it defeats

Highlights winning against an opponent or challenge.

it dismantles

Focuses on the act of carefully taking something apart.

it demolishes

Emphasizes complete destruction or ruin.

it overthrows

Suggests a forceful removal from power or position.

it undermines

Implies a gradual weakening or subversion.

it neutralizes

Highlights the act of rendering something ineffective.

it invalidates

Focuses on making something null or void.

it suppresses

Implies forcibly putting an end to something.

it eradicates

Stresses complete removal or elimination.

FAQs

What does "it takes down" mean?

The phrase "it takes down" generally means that something or someone causes something else to be removed, defeated, or dismantled. The object can be physical or abstract, such as a website or an opponent in a game.

How can I use "it takes down" in a sentence?

You can use "it takes down" to describe the act of removing or dismantling something. For example, "The company "it takes down" outdated systems to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "it takes down"?

Alternatives to "it takes down" include "it brings down", "it dismantles", or "it overthrows", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it takes down" versus "it is taken down"?

"It takes down" implies an active agent is causing the removal. "It is taken down" indicates a passive voice, where the subject is being acted upon. Use "it takes down" when emphasizing the actor and "it is taken down" when the actor is less important than the action itself.