What are the definitions of “drag up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To mention or bring up something from the past, especially something unpleasant or negative.
Must you drag up that old argument?
- 2To mention or bring up something from the past.
There's no need to drag up all that old --- ' `No, I can't say I miss it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drag up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drag up is to mention or bring up something from the past, especially something unpleasant or negative. It is often used when someone talks about a past event or situation that others would prefer to forget or not discuss.
What are the different verb forms of “drag up”?
| Root Verb | drag up |
| Third Person Singular Present | drags up |
| Present Participle | dragging up |
| Simple Past | dragged up |
| Past Participle | dragged up |
Example
She always drags up my past mistakes in our arguments.
Example
He drags up old issues whenever we have a disagreement.
Example
They are dragging up past events to make their point.
Example
Yesterday, she dragged up an old argument during our conversation.
Example
The issue has been dragged up several times in the past.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drag up”?
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
“drag 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
She dragged up an old argument during our conversation.
Example
He dragged up my past mistakes in our discussion.
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
“drag 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
She dragged up an old argument during our conversation.
Example
He dragged up my past mistakes in our discussion.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drag up”?
Good things to know
Does “drag up” have an informal or formal tone?
Drag up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal settings, such as in written articles or speeches, depending on the specific context.
