What are the definitions of “dredge up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Discover things about someone's past.
The newspapers DREDGED UP the details of his affair with his research assistant.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dredge up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dredge up is to discover or bring up information about someone's past, often with negative or embarrassing details. This can be used in the context of gossip, news, or investigations.
What are the different verb forms of “dredge up”?
| Root Verb | dredge up |
| Third Person Singular Present | dredges up |
| Present Participle | dredging up |
| Simple Past | dredged up |
| Past Participle | dredged up |
Example
The reporter tried to dredge up old scandals about the politician.
Example
She dredges up old memories whenever they meet.
Example
He is dredging up information about her past to use against her.
Example
They dredged up some old photos from their high school days.
Example
The information was dredged up during the investigation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dredge 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
“dredge 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
The journalist dredged up the celebrity's past mistakes.
Example
She dredged up an old argument during their conversation.
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
“dredge 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 journalist dredged up the celebrity's past mistakes.
Example
She dredged up an old argument during their conversation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dredge up”?
Dredge up memories
To recall or bring up old memories, often with a negative or nostalgic connotation.
Example
Talking about our school days always dredges up memories of our friendship.
Good things to know
Does “dredge up” have an informal or formal tone?
Dredge up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as news articles or legal investigations.
