What are the definitions of “edge up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Approach slowly.
She EDGED UP behind the bus at the red light.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “edge up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb edge up is to approach something or someone slowly and cautiously. It is often used when describing a person or object moving closer to another person or object.
What are the different verb forms of “edge up”?
| Root Verb | edge up |
| Third Person Singular Present | edges up |
| Present Participle | edging up |
| Simple Past | edged up |
| Past Participle | edged up |
Example
The cat edged up to the sleeping dog.
Example
The car edges up to the stop sign.
Example
She is edging up to the edge of the cliff.
Example
He edged up to the door and peeked inside.
Example
The squirrel had edged up to the bird feeder.
What kind of phrasal verb is “edge 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.)
Intransitive verb
“edge up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The mouse edged up to the cheese.
Example
The child edged up to the stranger.
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
“edge 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 mouse edged up to the cheese.
Example
The child edged up to the stranger.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “edge up”?
Good things to know
Does “edge up” have an informal or formal tone?
Edge up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in written reports or presentations.
