What are the definitions of “bone up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Study hard for a reason.
I will have to BONE UP to get a good result.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bone up”?
The phrasal verb bone up means to study hard or prepare for something, usually for a specific reason such as an exam or presentation. It is often used when someone needs to learn a lot of information in a short amount of time.
What are the different verb forms of “bone up”?
| Root Verb | bone up |
| Third Person Singular Present | bones up |
| Present Participle | boning up |
| Simple Past | boned up |
| Past Participle | boned up |
Example
I need to bone up on my history before the test.
Example
She bones up on her math skills before the exam.
Example
He is boning up on his Spanish before the trip.
Example
Yesterday, they boned up on their chemistry knowledge for the quiz.
Example
She had boned up on the material and felt confident about the presentation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bone 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.)
Intransitive verb
“bone up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I need to bone up before the interview.
Example
He boned up all night for the test.
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
“bone 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
I need to bone up before the interview.
Example
He boned up all night for the test.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bone up”?
Good things to know
Does “bone up” have an informal or formal tone?
Bone up is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal alternatives such as 'study,' 'prepare,' or 'review' can be used.
