What are the definitions of “chew up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cut into small pieces with your teeth.
The puppy CHEWED UP the newspaper.
- 2Damage something inside a machine.
The video CHEWED my tape UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chew up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chew up is to cut something into small pieces using your teeth. This can refer to food, objects, or even paper. For example, a dog might chew up a toy, or a person might chew up their food before swallowing.
What are the different verb forms of “chew up”?
| Root Verb | chew up |
| Third Person Singular Present | chews up |
| Present Participle | chewing up |
| Simple Past | chewed up |
| Past Participle | chewed up |
Example
The baby needs to chew up the food before swallowing.
Example
She chews up her gum loudly.
Example
The dog is chewing up its new toy.
Example
He chewed up the candy and then swallowed it.
Example
The paper was chewed up by the puppy.
What kind of phrasal verb is “chew 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
“chew 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 dog chewed up the newspaper.
Example
The machine chewed up the tape.
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
“chew 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 dog chewed up the newspaper.
Example
The machine chewed up the tape.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “chew up”?
Good things to know
Does “chew up” have an informal or formal tone?
Chew up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'grind' or 'masticate' when referring to the action of cutting something into small pieces with teeth.
