What are the definitions of “close in upon”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get near someone.
The police were CLOSING IN UPON the gang.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “close in upon”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb close in upon is to get near or approach someone or something, often with the intention of capturing or confronting them. For example, it can be used when the police are getting closer to catching a criminal.
What are the different verb forms of “close in upon”?
| Root Verb | close in upon |
| Third Person Singular Present | closes in upon |
| Present Participle | closing in upon |
| Simple Past | closed in upon |
| Past Participle | closed in upon |
Example
The detectives were closing in upon the suspect.
Example
The cat closes in upon the mouse, ready to pounce.
Example
The storm is closing in upon the city, causing people to take shelter.
Example
The enemy forces closed in upon the city, surrounding it from all sides.
Example
The police had closed in upon the criminal, leaving him with no escape.
What kind of phrasal verb is “close in upon”?
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
“close in upon” 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
The police were closing in upon the gang.
Example
The hunters closed in upon their prey.
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
“close in upon” 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 police were closing in upon the gang.
Example
The hunters closed in upon their prey.
Good things to know
Does “close in upon” have an informal or formal tone?
Close in upon is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
