What does the phrasal verb “square up” mean?

What are the definitions of “square up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Pay back a debt.

  Can I SQUARE UP with you for last night?

• 2. Confront someone or prepare to fight them.

  The companies are SQUARING UP for a fight.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “square up”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb square up is to pay back a debt or settle an account. It means that you give someone the money you owe them. For example, you can square up with a friend after they paid for your dinner.

What are the different verb forms of “square up”?

Root Verb	square up
Third Person Singular Present	squares up
Present Participle	squaring up
Simple Past	squared up
Past Participle	squared up

Example

I need to square up with my friend for the concert tickets.

Example

He squares up with his roommate for the utility bills every month.

Example

She is squaring up with her coworker for the lunch they shared.

Example

Yesterday, they squared up for the taxi fare they shared.

Example

The debt has been squared up, and they are now even.

What kind of phrasal verb is “square up”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“square up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I squared up with my friend for the movie tickets.

Example

He squared up the bill with the waiter.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“square up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I squared up with my friend for the movie tickets.

Example

He squared up the bill with the waiter.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “square up”?

Square up to someone

Confront someone or prepare to fight them.

Example

The two boxers squared up to each other before the match began.

Square up to a challenge

Face a difficult situation or problem with determination and courage.

Example

She squared up to the challenge of starting her own business.

Square up to a task

Prepare to tackle a task or responsibility.

Example

He squared up to the task of organizing the event.

Good things to know

Does “square up” have an informal or formal tone?

Square up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'settle a debt' or 'pay back.'

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “square up”?

Synonyms

• settle
• repay
• clear
• reimburse
• compensate
• balance
• pay back
• make amends

Antonyms

• borrow
• owe
• take
• receive
• accept
• charge
• incur debt