What are the definitions of “coop up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Confine in a small area.
They COOPED the dog UP in a tiny room.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “coop up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb coop up is to confine or keep someone or something in a small, restricted space. This can refer to animals, people, or objects being kept in a limited area.
What are the different verb forms of “coop up”?
| Root Verb | coop up |
| Third Person Singular Present | coops up |
| Present Participle | cooping up |
| Simple Past | cooped up |
| Past Participle | cooped up |
Example
She doesn't like to coop up her cats in the house all day.
Example
He coops up his chickens in the small coop every night.
Example
They are cooping up their belongings in a tiny storage unit.
Example
Yesterday, she cooped up the dog in the laundry room.
Example
The children felt cooped up in the small apartment during the lockdown.
What kind of phrasal verb is “coop 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
“coop 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 cooped up the dog in the small room.
Example
He cooped the chickens up in the coop.
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
“coop 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 cooped up the dog in the small room.
Example
He cooped the chickens up in the coop.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “coop up”?
Cooped up indoors
Being confined inside a building or room for an extended period, often leading to feelings of restlessness or boredom.
Example
During the rainy season, we often feel cooped up indoors and long for sunny days.
Good things to know
Does “coop up” have an informal or formal tone?
Coop up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'confine' or 'restrict' may be more appropriate.
