What are the definitions of “butter up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Praise or flatter someone excessively.
I tried BUTTERING my tutor UP but she still wouldn \' t let me hand it in late.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “butter up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb butter up is to praise or flatter someone excessively, usually to gain their favor or approval. For example, it can mean complimenting someone to get a better grade, or flattering a boss to receive a promotion.
What are the different verb forms of “butter up”?
| Root Verb | butter up |
| Third Person Singular Present | butters up |
| Present Participle | buttering up |
| Simple Past | buttered up |
| Past Participle | buttered up |
Example
She always tries to butter up her boss before asking for a day off.
Example
He butters up his teacher to get extra credit.
Example
She is buttering up her parents to get permission to go to the party.
Example
He buttered up his coach and got to play in the game.
Example
She had buttered up her boss so well that she got the promotion.
What kind of phrasal verb is “butter 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
“butter 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
She buttered up her boss to get a raise.
Example
He buttered his teacher up to get a better grade.
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
“butter 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
She buttered up her boss to get a raise.
Example
He buttered his teacher up to get a better grade.
Good things to know
Does “butter up” have an informal or formal tone?
Butter up is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal settings or professional writing. Instead, more formal synonyms like 'flatter' or 'praise' can be used.
