we took down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we took down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of removing, dismantling, or defeating something, such as a structure, a piece of information, or an opponent. Example: "After the event, we took down the decorations and cleaned up the venue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

We took down the transcript around 2001.

The New York Times

We took down the "Blue Lives Matter" sign.

The Guardian - Opinion

And we took down the walls and collapsed the businesses.

The New York Times

"We took down the post, because I couldn't deal with the personal attacks.

The Economist

We took down the notice because it didn't really describe the White House plan.

The Guardian

In an effort to protect our publishers and readers, we took down service as soon as it was apparent.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"We take down stuff all the time".

The New York Times - Sports

Each plane we take down we must refill with fuel".

The New York Times

People get upset if we take down a dead tree".

The New York Times

"Do we take down bag screening a little bit?

The New York Times

The proportion of the Treasury market we take down is quite small.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we took down" when you want to convey that a group actively removed, dismantled, or defeated something. Ensure the context clearly indicates who "we" refers to and what was taken down.

Common error

Avoid using "we took down" when a passive construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "we took down the system," consider "the system was taken down by us" if you want to emphasize the system rather than the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we took down" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "we" is the subject pronoun and "took down" is the past tense of the phrasal verb "take down." It indicates a completed action of removing, dismantling, or defeating something, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we took down" is a very common verb phrase used to describe a completed action of removing, dismantling, or defeating something. It's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing most frequently in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, the specific meaning of "we took down" depends on the surrounding context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is readily usable in written English and has various alternative expressions depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we removed

A more general term for taking something away, applicable in various contexts from physical objects to abstract concepts.

we dismantled

Focuses on the physical act of disassembling or taking apart something, implying a more methodical process.

we eliminated

Emphasizes the complete removal or eradication of something, often used for problems or threats.

we defeated

Specifically implies overcoming an opponent or obstacle, highlighting a sense of victory.

we demolished

Indicates the forceful destruction of a structure or system.

we suppressed

Suggests holding something back or preventing it from operating, implying control.

we reduced

Focuses on decreasing the quantity, size, or intensity of something.

we lowered

Implies bringing something down to a lower level or position.

we uninstalled

Specifically refers to removing software or applications from a computer system.

we rescinded

Indicates the formal withdrawal or cancellation of a law, order, or agreement.

FAQs

What does "we took down" mean?

The phrase "we took down" generally means that a group removed, dismantled, or defeated something. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

What can I say instead of "we took down"?

You can use alternatives like "we removed", "we dismantled", or "we defeated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we take down" instead of "we took down"?

The choice between "we take down" and "we took down" depends on the tense you want to use. "We take down" implies a present or habitual action, while "we took down" refers to a completed action in the past.

What's the difference between "we took down" and "we brought down"?

While both phrases imply causing something to fall or be removed, "we took down" often suggests a more deliberate and controlled action. "We brought down" can imply a more forceful or even unintentional action.