What are the definitions of “botch up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Ruin or spoil something.
I BOTCHED UP the whole project and it had to be cancelled.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “botch up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb botch up is to ruin or spoil something, often due to carelessness or incompetence. It means that something has gone wrong or has not been done correctly.
What are the different verb forms of “botch up”?
| Root Verb | botch up |
| Third Person Singular Present | botches up |
| Present Participle | botching up |
| Simple Past | botched up |
| Past Participle | botched up |
Example
I botched up the cake by adding too much sugar.
Example
He always botches up his presentations at work.
Example
She is botching up the project by not following the instructions.
Example
They botched up the party by forgetting to send invitations.
Example
The project was botched up and had to be restarted.
What kind of phrasal verb is “botch 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
“botch 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
She botched up the recipe by using the wrong ingredients.
Example
He botched the presentation up by not preparing well.
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
“botch 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
She botched up the recipe by using the wrong ingredients.
Example
He botched the presentation up by not preparing well.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “botch up”?
Good things to know
Does “botch up” have an informal or formal tone?
Botch 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 synonyms like 'ruin' or 'spoil' can be used.
