What are the definitions of “eye up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Look carefully at someone.
The guy EYED the other man UP because he was behaving suspiciously.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “eye up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb eye up is to look carefully at someone or something, often with a particular intention or purpose. It can be used to describe observing someone suspiciously, evaluating an object, or checking someone out.
What are the different verb forms of “eye up”?
| Root Verb | eye up |
| Third Person Singular Present | eyes up |
| Present Participle | eyeing up |
| Simple Past | eyed up |
| Past Participle | eyed up |
Example
She eyed up the dress in the store window.
Example
He eyes up the competition before the race.
Example
They are eyeing up the new employee, trying to figure out his skills.
Example
Yesterday, she eyed up the cake before deciding to buy it.
Example
The painting had been eyed up by many potential buyers.
What kind of phrasal verb is “eye 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
“eye 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 eyed up the dress in the store window.
Example
He eyed the competition up before the race.
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
“eye 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 eyed up the dress in the store window.
Example
He eyed the competition up before the race.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “eye up”?
Eye up suspiciously
To look at someone or something with suspicion or doubt.
Example
The security guard eyed up the man suspiciously as he entered the store.
Good things to know
Does “eye up” have an informal or formal tone?
Eye up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'observe,' 'evaluate,' or 'examine' may be more appropriate.
