turn down
/tɜːrn daʊn/
Meaning
This phrasal verb has two common meanings. First, it means to reject or refuse an offer, request, or invitation. Second, it means to reduce the volume, heat, or level of something (like a radio, heater, or light).
Examples
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She had to turn down the job offer because the salary was too low.
She had to turn down the job offer because the salary was too low.
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Could you please turn down the music? I'm trying to sleep.
Could you please turn down the music? I'm trying to sleep.
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I offered to help him, but he turned me down.
I offered to help him, but he turned me down.
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He turned down the invitation to the party because he was tired.
He turned down the invitation to the party because he was tired.
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Remember to turn down the thermostat before you leave the house.
Remember to turn down the thermostat before you leave the house.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He turned down to the job.
✓ He turned down the job.
Do not put 'to' after 'turn down'. The noun object should follow the phrasal verb directly.
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✗ He turned down me.
✓ He turned me down.
When the object of 'turn down' is a pronoun (like me, him, her, it, them), the pronoun must go between 'turn' and 'down'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I had to ___ their invitation because I already had plans.
💡 Reject or decline.
Show answer
turn down
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The TV is too loud; can you ___ the volume?
💡 Reduce the volume.
Show answer
turn down