What are the definitions of “cut up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cut into smaller pieces.
After cutting the tree down, the logger CUT it UP into logs.
- 2Drive into a neighbouring lane, directly in front of another vehicle.
I was just driving onto the motorway sliproad, when a red Mini CUT me UP and I had to brake suddenly to avoid an accident.
- 3Upset.
Her reaction really CUT me UP.
- 4Have a lot of small injuries.
I CUT my hand UP when I broke the glass.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cut up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cut up is to cut something into smaller pieces, such as food, paper, or other materials. It is often used when preparing food or dividing something into smaller parts.
What are the different verb forms of “cut up”?
| Root Verb | cut up |
| Third Person Singular Present | cuts up |
| Present Participle | cutting up |
| Simple Past | cut up |
| Past Participle | cut up |
Example
She cut up the vegetables for the salad.
Example
He cuts up the fruit for the fruit salad.
Example
She is cutting up the chicken for dinner.
Example
Yesterday, he cut up the paper for the art project.
Example
The vegetables were cut up and ready to be cooked.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cut 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
“cut 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 cut up the vegetables.
Example
He cut the paper up for the collage.
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
“cut 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 cut up the vegetables.
Example
He cut the paper up for the collage.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cut up”?
Good things to know
Does “cut up” have an informal or formal tone?
Cut up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in written instructions or reports.
