What are the definitions of “clear up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cure or recover from an infection.
I took the antihistamines and the rash CLEARED UP right away.
- 2Tidy up.
I'd better CLEAR AWAY the mess before leave.
- 3Explain.
Could you CLEAR these points UP before we go any further?
- 4Improve ( weather ).
The skies CLEARED UP and the sun came out.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “clear up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb clear up is to make something clean, tidy, or organized. It can also mean to improve or become better, especially in the context of weather. For example, when the sky becomes clear after a cloudy or rainy day, we say the weather has cleared up.
What are the different verb forms of “clear up”?
| Root Verb | clear up |
| Third Person Singular Present | clears up |
| Present Participle | clearing up |
| Simple Past | cleared up |
| Past Participle | cleared up |
Example
Please clear up the mess in the kitchen.
Example
She always clears up her room before going to bed.
Example
He is clearing up the garage this weekend.
Example
Yesterday, they cleared up the backyard after the party.
Example
The room has been cleared up and looks much better now.
What kind of phrasal verb is “clear 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
“clear 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
She cleared up the misunderstanding.
Example
The weather cleared up after the storm.
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
“clear 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
She cleared up the misunderstanding.
Example
The weather cleared up after the storm.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “clear up”?
Clear up a misunderstanding
To explain or resolve a misunderstanding or confusion.
Example
They had a long talk to clear up their misunderstandings.
Good things to know
Does “clear up” have an informal or formal tone?
Clear up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, when discussing medical issues or resolving misunderstandings, it can have a more formal tone.
