What are the definitions of “brick up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Close or fill a space with bricks.
We BRICKED the back entrance UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “brick up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb brick up is to close or fill a space with bricks. It is often used when talking about sealing an opening, such as a door or window, with bricks to make it inaccessible or secure.
What are the different verb forms of “brick up”?
| Root Verb | brick up |
| Third Person Singular Present | bricks up |
| Present Participle | bricking up |
| Simple Past | bricked up |
| Past Participle | bricked up |
Example
They decided to brick up the old fireplace.
Example
He bricks up the unused door to make the room more secure.
Example
The workers are bricking up the broken window.
Example
She bricked up the hole in the wall last week.
Example
The old entrance has been bricked up for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “brick 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
“brick 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
The construction workers bricked up the old doorway.
Example
They bricked the window up to prevent break-ins.
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
“brick 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
The construction workers bricked up the old doorway.
Example
They bricked the window up to prevent break-ins.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “brick up”?
Good things to know
Does “brick up” have an informal or formal tone?
Brick up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as construction or renovation projects.
