sit them down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sit them down" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to have someone take a seat or to place someone in a seated position. It can be used in various situations, such as directing someone to sit at a table or asking someone to relax and listen attentively. Here is an example: "Before we begin the meeting, please sit them down at the conference table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We sit them down at the kitchen table.

The New York Times - Food

"I sit them down, and I look inside," he said.

The New York Times

"You dump someone by text, by email, by skywriting, you still need to sit them down".

The New Yorker

A. We usually sit them down across a table from each other.

The New York Times

I sit them down at a table at Honest Burgers and order them gourmet burgers and a flat lemonade float.

Princeton University

Afterward, some of the starters questioned Chaney's decision to sit them down for the fourth quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

The best thing is to sit them down, and suggest that something else might be better.

The Guardian

"You can't exactly sit them down and make them watch Deadwood.

The Guardian

Sometimes you just want to sit them down and give them a reality check".

The New York Times - Style

You should sit them down and say, 'What are you guys, sissies?

The New Yorker

But you sit them down and have them watch it, and you can't believe their reaction".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sit them down" when you want to emphasize the act of initiating a serious or important conversation. The act of sitting is symbolic of settling in for a discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "sit them down" solely for describing the physical act of sitting if the intent is not to engage in a deliberate conversation. Choose other phrases like "have them sit" or "ask them to take a seat" if the context lacks a conversational or disciplinary element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sit them down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive phrasal verb, where "sit" is the verb and "down" is the particle. It requires an object ("them") to complete its meaning, indicating an action performed on someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sit them down" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to indicate the act of having someone take a seat, often in preparation for a serious conversation or important event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, with a higher frequency in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informality. When using the phrase, ensure the context aligns with the intent of facilitating a discussion or delivering news, rather than simply describing the physical action of sitting. Be mindful of possible misinterpretations and choose alternative expressions if a more formal or precise tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have them take a seat

Focuses more on the physical action of sitting.

ask them to sit

A more direct and polite request for someone to be seated.

get them seated

Emphasizes the action of ensuring someone is in a seated position.

settle them down

Implies calming someone before having them sit.

have a talk with them

Shifts the focus to the conversation that follows sitting.

bring them to the table

Suggests a discussion or negotiation.

convene with them

Implies a formal meeting or gathering.

call them in for a meeting

Focuses on scheduling and summoning.

gather them together

Emphasizes bringing a group to one place.

arrange a discussion

Highlights the planning of a conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "sit them down" to describe the act of having someone take a seat, usually to have a serious conversation. For example, "I need to "sit them down" and discuss their behavior".

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

For a more formal tone, you could say "request their presence" or "invite them to be seated", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "sit them down"?

It's appropriate when you're about to have a serious conversation, deliver important news, or need someone's full attention. It suggests more than just a casual seating arrangement.

What's the difference between "sit them down" and "ask them to sit"?

"Sit them down" implies a more deliberate and often serious intent, while "ask them to sit" is a simpler, more polite request to be seated. The former suggests an upcoming conversation or event that requires attention.