What are the definitions of “burn up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Destroy completely by fire.
All his possessions were BURNED UP in the fire.
- 2Drive at high speed.
The bank robbers BURNED UP the roads but were soon captured.
- 3To be or cause to be highly annoyed.
His undeserved win in the election really BURNS me UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “burn up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb burn up is to destroy something completely by fire. It means that something is consumed by flames and turned into ashes. For example, a house can burn up in a fire, or a piece of paper can burn up when it is set on fire.
What are the different verb forms of “burn up”?
| Root Verb | burn up |
| Third Person Singular Present | burns up |
| Present Participle | burning up |
| Simple Past | burned up |
| Past Participle | burned up |
Example
The old building burned up in the fire.
Example
The dry grass burns up quickly in the hot sun.
Example
The fire is burning up all the wood in the fireplace.
Example
The documents burned up when the office caught fire.
Example
All the evidence was burned up in the fire.
What kind of phrasal verb is “burn 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
“burn 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 fire burned up the entire forest.
Example
She burned up the old letters in the fireplace.
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
“burn 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 fire burned up the entire forest.
Example
She burned up the old letters in the fireplace.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “burn up”?
Burn up the road
To drive at high speed, often in a reckless manner.
Example
The race car driver burned up the track, setting a new record.
Burn up energy
To use a lot of energy or resources.
Example
Running a marathon burns up a lot of energy.
Good things to know
Does “burn up” have an informal or formal tone?
Burn up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative words or phrases, such as 'destroyed by fire' or 'consumed by flames'. However, the phrase can still be used in formal writing if the context is appropriate.
