What Does โStrike sb downโ Mean?
โStrike sb downโ means to hit someone forcefully or to cause someone to suddenly lose power or status.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โstrike sb downโ has two main uses. First, it can mean to physically hit someone with great force, often causing them to fall. Second, it can be used more figuratively to describe the sudden removal or defeat of someone, especially in legal or official contexts. Understanding the strike sb down meaning helps you use it correctly in various situations, from everyday speech to formal discussions.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: strike sb down (strike somebody down)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To hit someone hard or to remove someone suddenly from power or position
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โStrike sb downโ is a transitive phrasal verb, meaning it always takes an object (someone).
It is inseparable, so you cannot put the object between โstrikeโ and โdown.โ
Correct pattern: strike + somebody + down
Incorrect pattern: strike down + somebody
How to Use Strike sb down?
Use โstrike sb downโ when talking about physically hitting someone strongly or when referring to a sudden defeat or removal from power. It is often used in news reports, stories, or formal language about laws or rules being invalidated.
Example contexts include: a boxer striking an opponent down, a court striking down a law, or a leader being struck down politically.
Examples
When the boxer landed a powerful punch, he struck his opponent down instantly.
- The judge struck down the unfair law after careful review.
- During the battle, many soldiers were struck down by the enemy.
- The company was struck down by the new regulations.
- The hero struck down the villain with a swift blow.
- The governmentโs proposal was struck down by the parliament.
Strike sb down in a sentence: โThe new policy was struck down by the court as unconstitutional.โ
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the position of the object or use the verb incorrectly.
- Incorrect: โThe law was struck down it by the court.โ
- Correct: โThe court struck the law down.โ
- Incorrect: โThey struck down the man.โ
- Correct: โThey struck the man down.โ
Remember, โstrike sb downโ is inseparable, so the object must come between โstrikeโ and โdown.โ
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Knock sb down: Usually means to physically hit someone so they fall; less formal than โstrike sb down.โ
- Take sb down: Can mean to defeat or remove someone, often in a physical or competitive context.
- Strike down: Without an object, this phrase often refers to laws or rules being invalidated.
Difference: โStrike sb downโ focuses on the action toward a person, physically or figuratively, while โstrike downโ alone is often about laws or decisions.
Common Collocations
You will often see โstrike sb downโ with these objects:
- Opponent: The person you are competing or fighting against.
- Enemy: Someone hostile or against you.
- Law: Rules or regulations that can be invalidated.
- Proposal: A plan or suggestion that can be rejected.
- Soldier: A person fighting in a war or battle.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of strike sb down:
Real-life Dialogue
At a boxing match:
Coach: โWatch out! He can strike you down with one punch.โ
Boxer: โIโm ready. I wonโt let him strike me down.โ
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of โstrike sb downโ:
- The court __________ the new law because it was unfair.
- The warrior __________ his enemy __________ with a single blow.
- Many soldiers were __________ during the battle.
FAQ
- Q: Is โstrike sb downโ separable?
A: No, it is inseparable. The object must come between โstrikeโ and โdown.โ
- Q: Can โstrike sb downโ be used figuratively?
A: Yes, it often refers to removing laws or people from power suddenly.
- Q: What level is โstrike sb downโ suitable for?
A: It is best for intermediate learners (B2 level).
- Q: Can I use โstrike downโ without an object?
A: Yes, but it usually refers to laws or rules being invalidated.
- Q: What is a synonym for โstrike sb downโ?
A: โKnock sb downโ or โtake sb down,โ depending on context.
