SpeakUp

Grammar fix

crack down on

take strict action against

to start dealing with something or someone much more strictly, often to stop bad behavior or illegal activity.

phrasal verbB2common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The school decided to crack down on cheating after several students were caught using their phones during exams.law
  • In my opinion, the government should crack down on companies that pollute the environment, because stricter rules would help protect our health.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: crack down on + noun/gerund

WrongThe government is cracking down speeding.

RightThe government is cracking down on speeding.

Always 'crack down ON' something.

Patterncrack down on + noun/gerund

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The authorities intend to enforce stricter measures against speeding.

Natural Police are cracking down on speeding.

'Enforce stricter measures against' is officialese; 'crack down on' is the everyday news verb.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • crack down on
    crimespeedingfraudillegal parking

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'cut down on' (which means to reduce something), or 'break down' (which means to collapse or analyze).

Try it in Daily Speak →