take it down

USAGE SUMMARY

'take it down' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to lower the volume of something, or to take down a written or physical object. For example, "Can you take it down a bit? The music is too loud." or "Can you take it down from the wall? We need to rearrange the furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You take it down and browse.

The New Yorker

You hated to take it down".

The New York Times - Arts

"I'll take it down piece by piece".

The New Yorker

Please take it down when I die".

The New York Times - Arts

"We can't take it down," she said.

The Washington Post

"We want you to take it down".

The New York Times

"I take it down to horrify people".

The New Yorker

"And every week they take it down".

The New York Times

Take it down to the oil fields.

The New Yorker

"Why would he take it down?" "Oh.

The New Yorker

What if the site refuses to take it down?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take it down" in reference to digital content, ensure that you are clear about what specific content you are referring to. For example, "Please take the offensive post down immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "take it down" without specifying what needs to be taken down. Ambiguity can lead to miscommunication and frustration. Always provide clear context or clarification to ensure the intended action is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take it down" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. According to Ludwig, this expression is widely used, and the examples demonstrate its function to request or instruct the removal, lowering, or dismantling of something, whether physical or digital.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

20%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take it down" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple applications, ranging from removing digital content to reducing the volume of sound. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, highlighting its grammatical correctness and common occurrence across various contexts. While its register is generally neutral, clarity is key to avoid ambiguity in usage. When considering alternatives, "remove it" and "lower it" offer semantically similar options. Remember to be specific about what needs to be "taken down" to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove it

Focuses on the act of eliminating something completely.

lower it

Implies reducing the intensity or volume of something.

bring it down

Similar to "take it down" but can also imply causing something to fail or be defeated.

pull it down

Emphasizes the physical act of bringing something down, often with force.

deactivate it

Suggests disabling or rendering something inactive, typically electronic.

withdraw it

Implies retracting or taking back something that was previously presented.

demolish it

Suggests completely destroying or dismantling something.

dismantle it

Implies taking something apart piece by piece.

erase it

Focuses on eliminating something, often information or data.

delete it

Refers to removing digital content, such as files or posts.

FAQs

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

You can use "take it down" in various contexts, such as requesting the removal of online content (e.g., "Please "take it down" from the website"), reducing the volume of sound (e.g., "Can you "take it down" a bit?"), or physically removing an object (e.g., "Let's "take it down" to the basement").

What are some alternatives to "take it down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "remove it", "lower it", "bring it down" or "pull it down".

Is it appropriate to use "take it down a notch" in formal writing?

"Take it down a notch" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "moderate it", "reduce the intensity", or "temper your enthusiasm".

What's the difference between "take it down" and "bring it down"?

While both phrases can mean to lower something, "take it down" often refers to removing something entirely, whereas "bring it down" can also imply causing something to fail or be defeated. The best choice depends on the specific context.