What are the definitions of “cozy up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make yourself popular with someone.
He's been COZYING UP TO our boss because he wants a pay rise.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cozy up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cozy up to is to try to become friendly with someone, usually to gain an advantage or favor. It often implies that the person is being insincere or manipulative in their actions. For example, someone might cozy up to their boss to get a promotion or a pay raise.
What are the different verb forms of “cozy up to”?
| Root Verb | cozy up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | cozies up to |
| Present Participle | cozying up to |
| Simple Past | cozied up to |
| Past Participle | cozied up to |
Example
She always cozies up to the teacher to get better grades.
Example
He cozies up to his boss to get special treatment.
Example
She is cozying up to the new manager to make a good impression.
Example
He cozied up to the famous actor to get an autograph.
Example
She had cozied up to the director to get a role in the play.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cozy up to”?
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
“cozy up to” 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
He's been cozying up to our boss because he wants a pay rise.
Example
She cozied up to the popular kids to fit in.
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
“cozy up to” 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's been cozying up to our boss because he wants a pay rise.
Example
She cozied up to the popular kids to fit in.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cozy up to”?
Good things to know
Does “cozy up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Cozy up to is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like 'ingratiate oneself with' or 'curry favor with' instead.
