take down — write down information
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To write information, notes, or details, especially when someone is speaking or giving instructions.
Say it like a native
Textbook I shall record the particulars as you dictate them.
Native Let me take down your details.
Natural; 'record the particulars as you dictate' is clerk-speak.
Pattern: take something down
In use
- Let me take down your phone number so I don't forget it.study
- In meetings, it's important to take down key ideas so you can remember them later.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I took down of his number.
✓ I took down his number.
'Take down' takes the object directly — no 'of'.
Common collocations
take down + info— the details, his number, notes, an address
Don't confuse it
'Take down' is often used for notes or information, while 'write down' can be used more generally.
Related
- take down (remove from a high place) — Another meaning of 'take down' is 'remove from a high place'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.