What are the definitions of “cough up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Lose possession of a ball, etc. in a contact sport.
He was checked so hard he COUGHED UP the puck in front of his own goal.
- 2Expel something from your lungs or throat by coughing.
He gave up smoking after he COUGHED UP some blood.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cough up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cough up is to expel something from your lungs or throat by coughing. It can also mean losing possession of a ball in a contact sport.
What are the different verb forms of “cough up”?
| Root Verb | cough up |
| Third Person Singular Present | coughs up |
| Present Participle | coughing up |
| Simple Past | coughed up |
| Past Participle | coughed up |
Example
He needs to cough up the phlegm to clear his throat.
Example
She coughs up mucus when she has a cold.
Example
He is coughing up blood, which is a serious concern.
Example
Yesterday, he coughed up a small object that was stuck in his throat.
Example
The cat coughed up a hairball on the floor.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cough 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
“cough 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
He coughed up the phlegm.
Example
The player coughed the ball up during the game.
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
“cough 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
He coughed up the phlegm.
Example
The player coughed the ball up during the game.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cough up”?
Cough up information
To reveal or disclose information, often reluctantly.
Example
The suspect finally coughed up the details of the crime.
Good things to know
Does “cough up” have an informal or formal tone?
Cough up is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative words or phrases, such as 'expel' for coughing up substances or 'lose possession' for sports-related contexts.
