What are the definitions of “buy up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Buy all of something.
We BOUGHT UP all the shop had before the price went up.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “buy up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb buy up is to purchase all of something that is available, often to gain control or influence over it. For example, it can mean buying all the items in a store or acquiring all the shares of a company.
What are the different verb forms of “buy up”?
| Root Verb | buy up |
| Third Person Singular Present | buys up |
| Present Participle | buying up |
| Simple Past | bought up |
| Past Participle | bought up |
Example
She wants to buy up all the available tickets for the concert.
Example
He buys up all the limited edition items he can find.
Example
They are buying up all the properties in the neighborhood.
Example
The investor bought up all the shares of the company.
Example
All the rare books have been bought up by collectors.
What kind of phrasal verb is “buy 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
“buy 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 company bought up all the land around the factory.
Example
She bought up all the remaining tickets for the show.
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
“buy 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 company bought up all the land around the factory.
Example
She bought up all the remaining tickets for the show.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “buy up”?
Buy up merchandise
Purchasing all available items of a particular product, often to resell at a higher price.
Example
Some people buy up limited edition merchandise and sell it online for a profit.
Good things to know
Does “buy up” have an informal or formal tone?
Buy up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in business and financial settings.
