What are the definitions of “beat up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To physically attack or fight with someone, especially in a repeated or ongoing manner.
He and his brother are always beating up on each other.
- 2To criticize or blame someone, especially in a harsh or unfair way.
I’m not here to beat up on single parents.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “beat up on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb beat up on is to physically attack or fight with someone, especially in a repeated or ongoing manner. It can also mean to criticize or blame someone, especially in a harsh or unfair way.
What are the different verb forms of “beat up on”?
| Root Verb | beat up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | beats up on |
| Present Participle | beating up on |
| Simple Past | beat up on |
| Past Participle | beaten up on |
Example
He always beats up on his younger brother.
Example
She beats up on her classmates when they make fun of her.
Example
He is beating up on his friend for stealing his toy.
Example
Yesterday, they beat up on the new kid at school.
Example
He had been beaten up on by the bullies for months.
What kind of phrasal verb is “beat up on”?
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
“beat up on” 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 beat up on his brother for taking his toy.
Example
She beat up on her coworker for spreading rumors.
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
“beat up on” 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 beat up on his brother for taking his toy.
Example
She beat up on her coworker for spreading rumors.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “beat up on”?
Good things to know
Does “beat up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Beat up on is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written documents. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'attack' or 'criticize' can be used.
