What are the definitions of “buoy up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make someone feel more positive.
After so much criticism, the positive review BUOYED him UP.
- 2Keep afloat.
The lifejacket BUOYED me UP till the boat arrived.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “buoy up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb buoy up is to make someone feel more positive or hopeful. It is often used when someone is feeling down or discouraged, and something happens to lift their spirits or give them hope.
What are the different verb forms of “buoy up”?
| Root Verb | buoy up |
| Third Person Singular Present | buoys up |
| Present Participle | buoying up |
| Simple Past | buoyed up |
| Past Participle | buoyed up |
Example
Her kind words buoyed me up during a difficult time.
Example
His encouragement buoys her up when she's feeling low.
Example
The good news is buoying up the whole team.
Example
The surprise party buoyed up his spirits.
Example
She felt buoyed up by the support of her friends.
What kind of phrasal verb is “buoy 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
“buoy 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 positive feedback buoyed her up.
Example
His kind words buoyed up my spirits.
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
“buoy 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 positive feedback buoyed her up.
Example
His kind words buoyed up my spirits.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “buoy up”?
Good things to know
Does “buoy up” have an informal or formal tone?
Buoy up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speeches, depending on the specific context.
