What are the definitions of “brace up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Feel more confident or optimistic about something.
You should BRACE UP and stop worrying.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “brace up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb brace up is to feel more confident or optimistic about something. It is often used to encourage someone to be more positive and stop worrying.
What are the different verb forms of “brace up”?
| Root Verb | brace up |
| Third Person Singular Present | braces up |
| Present Participle | bracing up |
| Simple Past | braced up |
| Past Participle | braced up |
Example
You should brace up and stop worrying.
Example
She braces up when facing difficult situations.
Example
He is bracing up for the big presentation tomorrow.
Example
They braced up and faced their fears.
Example
She had braced up and successfully completed the task.
What kind of phrasal verb is “brace 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
“brace 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
You should brace up and stop worrying.
Example
He braced up before the important meeting.
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
“brace 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
You should brace up and stop worrying.
Example
He braced up before the important meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “brace up”?
Good things to know
Does “brace up” have an informal or formal tone?
Brace up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “brace up”?
Synonyms
- rally
- recover
- strengthen
- encourage
- hearten
- buck up
- cheer up
- perk up
- boost
