What are the definitions of “creep up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Approach without someone realising.
They CREPT UP ON their rivals and overtook them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “creep up on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb creep up on is to approach someone or something quietly and stealthily, without being noticed. This can be used to describe a person sneaking up on someone else or a situation that gradually develops without being noticed.
What are the different verb forms of “creep up on”?
| Root Verb | creep up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | creeps up on |
| Present Participle | creeping up on |
| Simple Past | crept up on |
| Past Participle | crept up on |
Example
The cat crept up on the unsuspecting bird.
Example
He creeps up on his sister to scare her.
Example
The deadline is creeping up on us, and we need to finish the project.
Example
The holiday season crept up on me, and I didn't have time to buy gifts.
Example
The consequences of their actions crept up on them over time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “creep up on”?
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
“creep up on” 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
The cat crept up on the bird.
Example
Old age crept up on him before he knew it.
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 on” 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 cat crept up on the bird.
Example
Old age crept up on him before he knew it.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “creep up on”?
Good things to know
Does “creep up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Creep up on 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.
