tear down — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

tear down

1demolish (a building or structure)2criticize harshly

Meaning 1 · most common

demolish (a building or structure)

tear down sth

To completely destroy or remove a building or structure, usually so that something else can be built in its place.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

They decided to tear down the old cinema to make room for a new shopping center.

A: What happened to that building on Main Street?
B: Oh, they tore it down last week. They're going to build apartments there.

Common mistake

Not: They want to tear ~~down it.~~

Say: They want to tear it down.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'tear it down'.

More on “demolish (a building or structure)”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I could change something in my city, I would tear down the abandoned factories and replace them with parks.

Tell it apart

They tore down the wall.

demolished it

They tore up the contract.

ripped it to pieces

Goes with

tear down + structure

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Next meaning: criticize harshly

Meaning 2

criticize harshly

tear down sth
informal

To strongly criticize someone or something, often in a way that makes them feel less confident or respected.

How oftenNow and then

LevelB2

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Instead of supporting her, he always tries to tear down her ideas in meetings.

A: I thought my presentation went well, but my boss just tore me down in front of everyone.
B: That’s really unfair. Don’t let it get to you.

Common mistake

Not: He tore down me in front of everyone.

Say: He tore me down in front of everyone.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'tear me down'.

More on “criticize harshly”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Some people believe that teachers should encourage students rather than tear them down for making mistakes.

Tell it apart

Don't tear people down.

belittle / criticise them

Don't tear down the building.

demolish it — sense

Goes with

tear down + person

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demolish (a building or structure)criticize harshly