sit down

USAGE SUMMARY

"sit down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to tell someone to take a seat. For example, "Please sit down so we can discuss this matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Sit down.

The New York Times

Ladies, sit down, sit down!

The New Yorker

"O.K., go sit down.

The New York Times - Sports

Jorge, please sit down".

The New Yorker

"Sit down," Eirini commanded.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You sit down.

The New Yorker

They couldn't sit down.

Independent

Bill, sit down.

The New Yorker

"Sit down," he said.

The New York Times

Sit down, shut up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

No sit-down dinner.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When directing someone to sit, consider the context and choose the appropriate level of formality. "Sit down" is generally acceptable, but "be seated" may be preferable in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "sit down" in overly formal situations where a phrase like "please be seated" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can sound impolite or abrupt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sit down" functions primarily as an imperative verb phrase, used to direct or request someone to assume a sitting position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show its use in direct commands, such as "Sit down! We have work to do."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

35%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sit down" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb that instructs or invites someone to take a seat. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is perfectly usable in written English. While the phrase is generally acceptable in most contexts, it's essential to consider the level of formality required by the situation and choose a more polite alternative when necessary, such as ""be seated"" in formal contexts. Its frequency across news media, wikis, and scientific sources confirms its wide applicability, though avoiding overuse in formal settings is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a seat

Focuses on the action of choosing and occupying a seat.

be seated, please

Adds a polite element to the request of sitting down.

be seated

A more formal way of instructing someone to sit.

have a seat

Offers an invitation to sit.

take a load off

More idiomatic, implying relaxation while sitting.

park yourself

Informal and sometimes humorous way to suggest sitting.

plop down

Implies sitting quickly and casually.

settle down

Suggests sitting and becoming calm or quiet.

find a chair

Suggests to find a chair and then sit.

take a pew

An older, less common way of saying "sit down".

FAQs

How can I use "sit down" in a sentence?

You can use "sit down" to instruct someone to take a seat, as in "Please, sit down and tell me what happened" or to describe someone assuming a sitting position, such as "He decided to sit down after standing for hours".

What's a more formal way to say "sit down"?

A more formal alternative to "sit down" is "be seated". This is often used in formal events or when addressing someone with respect.

Is "sit down" considered rude in any situation?

While generally acceptable, "sit down" can be perceived as impolite if your tone is demanding or if you're speaking to someone of higher status. In such cases, it's better to use phrases like "please be seated" or "have a seat".

What is the difference between "sit" and "sit down"?

"Sit" refers to the state of being in a seated position, while "sit down" is an action, the process of moving into a seated position. For example, "I like to sit by the window" vs. "Please sit down".