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.communication
- In my opinion, it's important for teachers not to talk down to their students, because everyone deserves respect in the classroom.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: talk down to someone
WrongDon't talk down me.
RightDon't talk down to me.
Don't drop 'to' — 'talk down TO' someone.
Patterntalk down to someone
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'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 totostaffcustomersconstantly
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'talk to' (just speaking) or 'talk over' (interrupting). 'Talk down to' is about attitude.