What are the definitions of “choose up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Form groups or teams.
We CHOSE UP to play the game.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “choose up”?
The phrasal verb choose up means to form groups or teams, usually for a game or activity. It is often used when people need to divide themselves into teams before starting a game.
What are the different verb forms of “choose up”?
| Root Verb | choose up |
| Third Person Singular Present | chooses up |
| Present Participle | choosing up |
| Simple Past | chose up |
| Past Participle | chosen up |
Example
Before the soccer match, we chose up teams.
Example
He chooses up the teams for the basketball game.
Example
They are choosing up sides for the volleyball match.
Example
Yesterday, we chose up teams for the relay race.
Example
The teams had already been chosen up before we arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “choose 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.)
Intransitive verb
“choose up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We chose up before starting the game.
Example
They chose up and began the competition.
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
“choose 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
We chose up before starting the game.
Example
They chose up and began the competition.
Good things to know
Does “choose up” have an informal or formal tone?
Choose up is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations and settings. It is most commonly used when discussing games, sports, or other recreational activities.
