What are the definitions of “beef up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something stronger or more solid.
The company BEEFED UP their case when they saw that the public wouldn't accept their first explanation of the accident.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “beef up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb beef up is to make something stronger, more solid, or more effective. It can be used to describe improving a physical object, a plan, or even a person's skills or knowledge.
What are the different verb forms of “beef up”?
| Root Verb | beef up |
| Third Person Singular Present | beefs up |
| Present Participle | beefing up |
| Simple Past | beefed up |
| Past Participle | beefed up |
Example
We need to beef up our security measures to prevent theft.
Example
She beefs up her resume by adding more relevant skills.
Example
The company is beefing up its marketing strategy to attract more customers.
Example
They beefed up their computer system to protect against hackers.
Example
The security measures have been beefed up since the incident.
What kind of phrasal verb is “beef 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
“beef 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 coach beefed up the team's defense.
Example
She beefed up her presentation with more data.
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
“beef 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 coach beefed up the team's defense.
Example
She beefed up her presentation with more data.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “beef up”?
Good things to know
Does “beef up” have an informal or formal tone?
Beef up is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'strengthen,' 'reinforce,' or 'enhance' instead.
