What are the definitions of “divvy up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Divide, share.
We DIVVIED UP the money equally.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “divvy up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb divvy up is to divide or share something, usually among a group of people. It often refers to splitting resources, such as money, food, or tasks, so that everyone gets a fair share.
What are the different verb forms of “divvy up”?
| Root Verb | divvy up |
| Third Person Singular Present | divvies up |
| Present Participle | divvying up |
| Simple Past | divvied up |
| Past Participle | divvied up |
Example
We need to divvy up the chores among the roommates.
Example
She divvies up the pizza into equal slices for everyone.
Example
They are divvying up the profits from the sale.
Example
Last night, we divvied up the remaining cake among the guests.
Example
The tasks have been divvied up among the team members.
What kind of phrasal verb is “divvy 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
“divvy 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
We divvied up the money equally.
Example
She divvied the pizza up into eight slices.
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
“divvy 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
We divvied up the money equally.
Example
She divvied the pizza up into eight slices.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “divvy up”?
Good things to know
Does “divvy up” have an informal or formal tone?
Divvy up is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is more suitable for casual contexts and may not be appropriate for formal writing or speech. In more formal settings, alternatives such as 'divide' or 'distribute' can be used.
