What are the definitions of “charge up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Put electricity into a battery.
I need to CHARGE my phone UP- the battery's dead.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “charge up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb charge up is to put electricity into a battery, such as charging a phone, laptop, or other electronic devices.
What are the different verb forms of “charge up”?
| Root Verb | charge up |
| Third Person Singular Present | charges up |
| Present Participle | charging up |
| Simple Past | charged up |
| Past Participle | charged up |
Example
Before going on a trip, I always charge up my power bank.
Example
She charges up her phone every night before going to bed.
Example
He is charging up his laptop before the meeting starts.
Example
Yesterday, they charged up all their devices before the power outage.
Example
The electric car was charged up and ready for the road trip.
What kind of phrasal verb is “charge 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
“charge 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
I need to charge up my phone.
Example
She charged her laptop up before the presentation.
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
“charge 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
I need to charge up my phone.
Example
She charged her laptop up before the presentation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “charge up”?
Charge up the atmosphere
To create excitement or energy in a situation or event.
Example
The DJ played some great music to charge up the atmosphere at the party.
Good things to know
Does “charge up” have an informal or formal tone?
Charge up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as discussing the charging of electric vehicles or electronic devices.
