What are the definitions of “buck up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Hurry ( either transitive or reflexive ).
' BUCK UP - the taxi's waiting.'
- 2Smarten up, improve.
You had better BUCK your ideas UP, or you'll fail the course.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “buck up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb buck up is to encourage someone to be more positive or to improve their attitude or performance. It can also mean to hurry up or to do something faster.
What are the different verb forms of “buck up”?
| Root Verb | buck up |
| Third Person Singular Present | bucks up |
| Present Participle | bucking up |
| Simple Past | bucked up |
| Past Participle | bucked up |
Example
You need to buck up and finish your work on time.
Example
He always bucks up when he sees his friends.
Example
She is bucking up her spirits by listening to her favorite music.
Example
They bucked up and completed the project before the deadline.
Example
He had bucked up his confidence before the big presentation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “buck 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
“buck 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
I need to buck myself up before the interview.
Example
She bucked her friend up when she was feeling down.
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
“buck 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
I need to buck myself up before the interview.
Example
She bucked her friend up when she was feeling down.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “buck up”?
Good things to know
Does “buck up” have an informal or formal tone?
Buck up is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written documents. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'improve' or 'hurry up' can be used.
