What are the definitions of “box up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pack things in boxes to move them.
At the end of term, I BOXED my books UP and sent them home.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “box up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb box up is to pack items into boxes, usually for moving, storage, or shipping. This can refer to packing personal belongings, products, or any other items that need to be organized and transported.
What are the different verb forms of “box up”?
| Root Verb | box up |
| Third Person Singular Present | boxes up |
| Present Participle | boxing up |
| Simple Past | boxed up |
| Past Participle | boxed up |
Example
I need to box up my clothes before the move.
Example
She boxes up her belongings before leaving the dorm.
Example
He is boxing up his books to send them to his new apartment.
Example
They boxed up their kitchen items before the renovation.
Example
All the old toys were boxed up and stored in the attic.
What kind of phrasal verb is “box 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
“box 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 boxed up her clothes for the move.
Example
He boxed the books up before sending them.
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
“box 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 boxed up her clothes for the move.
Example
He boxed the books up before sending them.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “box up”?
Box up leftovers
To pack leftover food in a container or box for storage or to take home.
Example
The restaurant boxed up our leftovers so we could enjoy them later.
Good things to know
Does “box up” have an informal or formal tone?
Box up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
