What are the definitions of “creep up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Gradually increase.
The number of missing people has crept up to 40.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “creep up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb creep up is to gradually increase or change over time. It is often used to describe a slow, subtle, or unnoticed change in a situation or number. For example, it can mean the increase in temperature, the rise in prices, or the growth of a population.
What are the different verb forms of “creep up”?
| Root Verb | creep up |
| Third Person Singular Present | creeps up |
| Present Participle | creeping up |
| Simple Past | crept up |
| Past Participle | crept up |
Example
The temperature started to creep up as summer approached.
Example
The cost of living creeps up every year.
Example
The deadline is creeping up, and we need to finish the project.
Example
The number of cases crept up over the past few weeks.
Example
The population has crept up in recent years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “creep 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
“creep 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
The price of gas crept up last month.
Example
The number of cases crept up over the past few weeks.
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
“creep 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
The price of gas crept up last month.
Example
The number of cases crept up over the past few weeks.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “creep up”?
Good things to know
Does “creep up” have an informal or formal tone?
Creep 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 writing or presentations, depending on the specific context.
