What are the definitions of “eat up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Eat all of something.
If you don't EAT UP your greens, you won't get any dessert.
- 2Consume.
This car EATS UP petrol.
- 3Consume something you don't want to be consumed.
The graphics EAT UP our bandwidth they're costing us a fortune.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “eat up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb eat up is to eat all of something, usually referring to finishing a meal or a specific food item. It is often used by parents or caregivers to encourage children to finish their food.
What are the different verb forms of “eat up”?
| Root Verb | eat up |
| Third Person Singular Present | eats up |
| Present Participle | eating up |
| Simple Past | ate up |
| Past Participle | eaten up |
Example
Please eat up your vegetables before they get cold.
Example
She eats up her breakfast quickly every morning.
Example
He is eating up the last piece of cake.
Example
Yesterday, they ate up all the pizza.
Example
The food was eaten up by the guests at the party.
What kind of phrasal verb is “eat 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
“eat 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 ate up her dinner.
Example
He eats up his lunch every day.
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
“eat 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 ate up her dinner.
Example
He eats up his lunch every day.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “eat up”?
Eat up resources
To consume a large amount of resources, such as time, money, or energy.
Example
The project ate up most of our budget, leaving little for other initiatives.
Good things to know
Does “eat up” have an informal or formal tone?
Eat up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternatives such as 'consume' or 'finish'.
