What are the definitions of “crank up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Inject non - medical drugs.
He's been CRANKING UP heroin for years.
- 2Start a machine, originally with a handle.
He CRANKED the saw UP.
- 3Increase, make something bigger.
I CRANKED the volume UP as high as it would go.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “crank up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb crank up is to increase or make something bigger, such as turning up the volume or increasing the intensity of something. For example, it can mean turning up the music, increasing the heat, or making a situation more intense.
What are the different verb forms of “crank up”?
| Root Verb | crank up |
| Third Person Singular Present | cranks up |
| Present Participle | cranking up |
| Simple Past | cranked up |
| Past Participle | cranked up |
Example
I always crank up the music when my favorite song comes on.
Example
She cranks up the heat in the car when it's cold outside.
Example
He is cranking up the intensity of his workout routine.
Example
Yesterday, they cranked up the volume during the party.
Example
The music was cranked up so loud that the neighbors complained.
What kind of phrasal verb is “crank 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
“crank 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 cranked up the volume on the radio.
Example
He cranked the heat up in the room.
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
“crank 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 cranked up the volume on the radio.
Example
He cranked the heat up in the room.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “crank up”?
Good things to know
Does “crank up” have an informal or formal tone?
Crank up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal settings or writing. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'increase' or 'raise' can be used instead.
