What are the definitions of “buckle up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Fasten a seatbelt.
We were told to BUCKLE UP before take - off.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “buckle up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb buckle up is to fasten a seatbelt, usually in a car or an airplane. It is a safety measure to protect passengers during travel.
What are the different verb forms of “buckle up”?
| Root Verb | buckle up |
| Third Person Singular Present | buckles up |
| Present Participle | buckling up |
| Simple Past | buckled up |
| Past Participle | buckled up |
Example
Before starting the car, make sure to buckle up.
Example
She always buckles up before driving.
Example
He is buckling up before the plane takes off.
Example
Yesterday, they buckled up before the road trip.
Example
The passengers had buckled up before the turbulence started.
What kind of phrasal verb is “buckle 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
“buckle 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
Please buckle up before we start driving.
Example
The flight attendant reminded everyone to buckle up.
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
“buckle 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
Please buckle up before we start driving.
Example
The flight attendant reminded everyone to buckle up.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “buckle up”?
Good things to know
Does “buckle up” have an informal or formal tone?
Buckle up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be found in safety instructions or announcements.
