What are the definitions of “brew up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To develop or begin to happen.
I sense a scandal brewing up.
- 2To make or prepare something, especially a hot drink, by mixing ingredients together.
They spend most weekends on it, brewing up pots of tea.
- 3To create or cause trouble or mischief.
Those two can brew up a batch of mischief very quickly.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “brew up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb brew up is to make or prepare something, especially a hot drink, by mixing ingredients together. It is often used when talking about making tea or coffee.
What are the different verb forms of “brew up”?
| Root Verb | brew up |
| Third Person Singular Present | brews up |
| Present Participle | brewing up |
| Simple Past | brewed up |
| Past Participle | brewed up |
Example
I like to brew up a cup of tea in the morning.
Example
She brews up a pot of coffee for the office every day.
Example
He is brewing up some hot chocolate for the kids.
Example
Yesterday, they brewed up a fresh batch of herbal tea.
Example
The coffee had been brewed up and was ready to serve.
What kind of phrasal verb is “brew 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
“brew 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 brewed up a pot of tea for her guests.
Example
He brewed up some trouble at the party.
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
“brew 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 brewed up a pot of tea for her guests.
Example
He brewed up some trouble at the party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “brew up”?
Good things to know
Does “brew up” have an informal or formal tone?
Brew up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'prepare' or 'make' when referring to making a hot drink, or 'develop' or 'begin to happen' when referring to a situation or event.
