What are the definitions of “button up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To fasten all the buttons on a piece of clothing.
His jacket was buttoned up right to the neck.
- 2To fasten all the buttons of a garment.
None of my jackets buttons up properly.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “button up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb button up is to fasten all the buttons on a piece of clothing. It is often used when talking about putting on a shirt, jacket, or coat and making sure all the buttons are securely fastened.
What are the different verb forms of “button up”?
| Root Verb | button up |
| Third Person Singular Present | buttons up |
| Present Participle | buttoning up |
| Simple Past | buttoned up |
| Past Participle | buttoned up |
Example
Please button up your coat before going outside.
Example
She always buttons up her shirt before leaving the house.
Example
He is buttoning up his jacket to stay warm.
Example
Yesterday, she buttoned up her blouse before the interview.
Example
The coat was buttoned up and ready to wear.
What kind of phrasal verb is “button 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
“button 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
He buttoned up his shirt.
Example
She buttoned her coat up before going outside.
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
“button 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
He buttoned up his shirt.
Example
She buttoned her coat up before going outside.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “button up”?
Buttoned-up
Describing someone or something as very formal, conservative, or restrained.
Example
The company has a buttoned-up corporate culture.
Good things to know
Does “button up” have an informal or formal tone?
Button 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 settings, depending on the specific context.
