take down
/teɪk daʊn/
Meaning
This phrasal verb is used in three main daily scenarios. It means to write down or record spoken information, to dismantle or remove a physical structure (like a tent, fence, or holiday decorations), or to remove digital content from the internet.
Examples
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The police officer asked me to wait while he took down my details.
The police officer asked me to wait while he took down my details.
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We need to take down the Christmas decorations before January.
We need to take down the Christmas decorations before January.
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The website was forced to take down the copyrighted video.
The website was forced to take down the copyrighted video.
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Can you take down these notes while I speak?
Can you take down these notes while I speak?
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They took down the old billboard to put up a digital screen.
They took down the old billboard to put up a digital screen.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need to take down my ideas on the paper.
✓ I need to write down my ideas.
'Take down' is specifically used for recording information that is being spoken by someone else, or copying information, rather than brainstorming your own thoughts.
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✗ Please take down the light.
✓ Please turn off the light.
'Take down' means physical removal or dismantling, not switching off an electrical appliance.
Related Expressions
Practice
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After the party, we had to ___ ___ all the balloons.
💡 Remove them from the walls.
Show answer
take down
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The reporter rushed to ___ ___ everything the mayor said.
💡 Write it down quickly.
Show answer
take down