What are the definitions of “bash up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break, damage or hurt by hitting.
They BASHED him UP in the fight in the pub last week and he had to go to hospital.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bash up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bash up is to break, damage, or hurt something or someone by hitting. It often refers to physical violence or damage caused by forceful actions.
What are the different verb forms of “bash up”?
| Root Verb | bash up |
| Third Person Singular Present | bashes up |
| Present Participle | bashing up |
| Simple Past | bashed up |
| Past Participle | bashed up |
Example
He accidentally bashed up his car while trying to park.
Example
She bashes up the old furniture to use as firewood.
Example
The kids are bashing up the cardboard boxes for recycling.
Example
He bashed up his opponent in the boxing match.
Example
The car was bashed up in the accident.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bash 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
“bash 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
The storm bashed up the trees in the park.
Example
He bashed the door up trying to break in.
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
“bash 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
The storm bashed up the trees in the park.
Example
He bashed the door up trying to break in.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bash up”?
Bash up against
To collide or crash into something, causing damage.
Example
The boat bashed up against the rocks during the storm.
Bash on
To continue doing something despite difficulties or setbacks.
Example
Even though the project was challenging, they decided to bash on and complete it.
Good things to know
Does “bash up” have an informal or formal tone?
Bash up is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not suitable for formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional communication. In formal situations, use alternatives like 'damage,' 'injure,' or 'break' instead.
