What are the definitions of “dish up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Serve food.
He DISHED UP a great dinner when we got back.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dish up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dish up is to serve food, usually by putting it onto plates or into bowls. This can refer to serving food at home or in a restaurant.
What are the different verb forms of “dish up”?
| Root Verb | dish up |
| Third Person Singular Present | dishes up |
| Present Participle | dishing up |
| Simple Past | dished up |
| Past Participle | dished up |
Example
She always dishes up a delicious meal for her family.
Example
He dishes up the soup for everyone at the table.
Example
She is dishing up the pasta for the guests.
Example
Yesterday, they dished up a fantastic dinner for the party.
Example
The food was dished up and ready to be served.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dish 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
“dish 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 dished up the salad for everyone.
Example
He dished the food up onto the plates.
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
“dish 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 dished up the salad for everyone.
Example
He dished the food up onto the plates.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dish up”?
Dish up a compliment
To give someone a compliment, often in a sincere and genuine manner.
Example
She dished up a compliment about his cooking skills after the delicious meal.
Good things to know
Does “dish up” have an informal or formal tone?
Dish up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, you might use words like 'serve' or 'present' instead.
