take them down

USAGE SUMMARY

"take them down" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to express that something should be physically removed or that the written version of something should be edited or erased. For example: "Can you take down the pictures that are hanging in the hallway?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now take them down, please.

The New York Times

"I'd ask them to take them down," he said.

The New York Times

"They stay there unless you take them down".

The Economist

He has no plans to take them down, he said.

The Washington Post

The Supreme Court's ruling will take them down a peg.

The New York Times

We infiltrate criminal organisations to take them down from inside.

The Guardian - Music

Town officials put the nets back up, only for the boys to take them down again.

The New York Times

"No one will take them down, and they are acoustically useless," he says.

The Economist

"Others will take them down because they want to put up their own poster".

The New York Times

"Did the protesters agree that you could take them down?" I asked.

The New Yorker

Now and again I take them down and put up pieces of fabric I've had framed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a global audience, be mindful that the interpretation of "take them down" may vary slightly depending on cultural context. Ensure your meaning is clear and avoid slang if you intend a formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "take them down" in contexts where a gentler or more neutral term is appropriate. The phrase can sometimes imply aggression or destruction, so consider whether that aligns with your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "take them down" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "take" with the particle "down" to create a new meaning. Ludwig confirms its validity for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take them down" functions as a versatile phrasal verb with several meanings, including physical removal, defeating an opponent, or dismantling something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usage. Its register is typically neutral but can be perceived as more or less formal depending on context. While used frequently in news, it also appears often in wikis and less so in more academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring them down

Similar to the original phrase, but slightly more emphatic.

remove them

Focuses on the act of physical removal or deletion.

eliminate them

Emphasizes complete removal, often in a competitive or combative context.

defeat them

Implies overcoming opponents or challenges.

dismantle them

Suggests breaking down something into its component parts.

erase them

Focuses on the act of erasing something, often data or memories.

demolish them

Conveys a sense of complete destruction or ruin.

subdue them

Suggests bringing someone or something under control.

suppress them

Implies preventing something from being expressed or known.

overthrow them

Indicates the act of removing someone from power or authority.

FAQs

What does "take them down" mean?

The phrase "take them down" can mean to physically remove something, to defeat someone in a competition, or to delete digital content. The exact meaning depends on the context.

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

You can use "take them down" in sentences like, "Please take the decorations down after the holidays", or "The police are working to take the criminal organization down".

What are some alternatives to "take them down"?

Alternatives to "take them down" include "remove them", "eliminate them", or "defeat them", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "take them down" formal or informal?

"Take them down" is generally considered to be neutral, but leaning towards informal, although it can be used in more formal contexts depending on the specific meaning. Be mindful that connotations of aggression or physical force may appear.