What are the definitions of “balls up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Spoil, ruin.
He BALLSED the presentation UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “balls up”?
The phrasal verb balls up means to spoil or ruin something. It is often used when someone makes a mistake or does something wrong that negatively affects a situation.
What are the different verb forms of “balls up”?
| Root Verb | balls up |
| Third Person Singular Present | balls up |
| Present Participle | balling up |
| Simple Past | balled up |
| Past Participle | balled up |
Example
I hope I don't balls up the interview.
Example
She always balls up her speeches.
Example
He is balling up the project by not following the instructions.
Example
Yesterday, they balled up the entire event.
Example
The project was balled up due to poor planning.
What kind of phrasal verb is “balls 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
“balls 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
He balled up the presentation.
Example
She balled the project up by not meeting the deadline.
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
“balls 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
He balled up the presentation.
Example
She balled the project up by not meeting the deadline.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “balls up”?
Good things to know
Does “balls up” have an informal or formal tone?
Balls up is an informal phrasal verb and should not be used in formal settings or professional communication. Instead, use synonyms like 'ruin,' 'spoil,' or 'mess up' in more formal contexts.
