What are the definitions of “bone up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Study hard for a goal or reason.
I need to BONE UP ON my French grammar for the test.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bone up on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bone up on is to study or learn something intensively, usually in preparation for a test, exam, or specific goal. It means to improve your knowledge or skills in a particular area.
What are the different verb forms of “bone up on”?
| Root Verb | bone up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | bones up on |
| Present Participle | boning up on |
| Simple Past | boned up on |
| Past Participle | boned up on |
Example
She needs to bone up on her math skills before the exam.
Example
He bones up on his history facts before the quiz.
Example
They are boning up on their geography for the upcoming competition.
Example
Last week, I boned up on my chemistry knowledge for the test.
Example
She had boned up on her Spanish vocabulary before the trip.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bone 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
“bone 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
I need to bone up on my French grammar for the test.
Example
She boned up on her computer skills before the job interview.
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 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
I need to bone up on my French grammar for the test.
Example
She boned up on her computer skills before the job interview.
Good things to know
Does “bone up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Bone up on 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 like 'study intensively' or 'review thoroughly' can be used.
