Grammar fix
talk down to
to speak to someone as if they are less intelligent
To speak to someone in a way that makes them feel less intelligent or important, as if you think you are better than them.
phrasal verbB2occasional
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I don't like it when people talk down to me just because I'm younger.
In my opinion, it's important for teachers not to talk down to their students, because everyone deserves respect in the classroom.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Don't talk down me.
Say: Don't talk down to me.
Don't drop 'to' — 'talk down TO' someone.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Talk down to' is the everyday way to name condescension; 'addresses in a condescending manner' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
talk down to
- to
- staff
- customers
- constantly