What are the definitions of “colour ( color ) up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Blush.
He COLOURED ( COLORED ) UP when he was caught stealing from the till.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “colour ( color ) up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb colour up (or color up in American English) is to blush or become red in the face, usually due to embarrassment or shame. This can happen when someone is caught doing something wrong or feels uncomfortable in a situation.
What are the different verb forms of “colour ( color ) up”?
| Root Verb | colour up (British English) / color up (American English) |
| Third Person Singular Present | colours up (British English) / colors up (American English) |
| Present Participle | colouring up (British English) / coloring up (American English) |
| Simple Past | coloured up (British English) / colored up (American English) |
| Past Participle | coloured up (British English) / colored up (American English) |
Example
She coloured up (or colored up) when her crush talked to her.
Example
He colours up (or colors up) whenever he is put on the spot.
Example
She was colouring up (or coloring up) as she realized everyone was staring at her.
Example
He coloured up (or colored up) when he was caught stealing from the till.
Example
She had coloured up (or colored up) when her secret was revealed.
What kind of phrasal verb is “colour ( color ) 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
“colour ( color ) 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
She coloured up (or colored up) when her crush talked to her.
Example
He coloured up (or colored up) when he was caught stealing from the till.
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
“colour ( color ) 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 coloured up (or colored up) when her crush talked to her.
Example
He coloured up (or colored up) when he was caught stealing from the till.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “colour ( color ) up”?
To blush or become red in the face due to feeling embarrassed or ashamed.
Example
She coloured up (or colored up) with embarrassment when she tripped in front of everyone.
Good things to know
Does “colour ( color ) up” have an informal or formal tone?
Colour up (or color up) is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, depending on the specific context.
