What are the definitions of “drive up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something increase.
The market uncertainty has DRIVEN prices UP.
- 2Arrive in a vehicle.
They DROVE UP just as we were about to leave.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drive up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drive up is to cause something to increase, such as prices, demand, or interest. For example, it can mean that a certain event or situation has caused the prices of goods to rise.
What are the different verb forms of “drive up”?
| Root Verb | drive up |
| Third Person Singular Present | drives up |
| Present Participle | driving up |
| Simple Past | drove up |
| Past Participle | driven up |
Example
The new policy will drive up the cost of living.
Example
He drives up the price of the product by creating artificial scarcity.
Example
The company is driving up the demand for their product through aggressive marketing.
Example
The sudden shortage drove up the prices of essential goods.
Example
The cost of housing has been driven up by the influx of new residents.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drive 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
“drive 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 new tax law drove up the prices of many products.
Example
The increased demand drove the prices up.
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
“drive 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 new tax law drove up the prices of many products.
Example
The increased demand drove the prices up.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drive up”?
Good things to know
Does “drive up” have an informal or formal tone?
Drive 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 business discussions or news reports.
