What are the definitions of “board up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cover windows or doors with wood, metal, etc..
They BOARDED UP all the windows to stop people getting into the empty houses.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “board up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb board up is to cover windows or doors with wood, metal, or other materials. This is often done to protect a building from damage or to prevent unauthorized entry.
What are the different verb forms of “board up”?
| Root Verb | board up |
| Third Person Singular Present | boards up |
| Present Participle | boarding up |
| Simple Past | boarded up |
| Past Participle | boarded up |
Example
Before the hurricane, we boarded up the windows to protect our home.
Example
The store owner boards up the windows every night for security.
Example
They are boarding up the abandoned building to keep people out.
Example
The city boarded up the old school after it was closed.
Example
The windows had been boarded up for years before the renovation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “board 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
“board 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 construction workers boarded up the windows.
Example
They boarded the windows up before the storm.
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
“board 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 construction workers boarded up the windows.
Example
They boarded the windows up before the storm.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “board up”?
Board up for protection
To cover windows and doors with boards or other materials to protect a building from damage, such as during a storm or riot.
Example
Residents boarded up their homes in preparation for the hurricane.
Good things to know
Does “board up” have an informal or formal tone?
Board up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news reports or official documents.
