What are the definitions of “fess up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Confess, admit something reluctantly.
The company FESSED UP after they were exposed in the newspapers.
- 2Give.
FESS UP your share of the bill.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fess up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fess up is to confess or admit something reluctantly, often after being caught or confronted. It is used when someone finally tells the truth about something they were trying to hide or avoid talking about.
What are the different verb forms of “fess up”?
| Root Verb | fess up |
| Third Person Singular Present | fesses up |
| Present Participle | fessing up |
| Simple Past | fessed up |
| Past Participle | fessed up |
Example
I know you broke the vase, so just fess up and apologize.
Example
He always fesses up when he realizes he's been caught.
Example
She is fessing up to her mistakes in front of the whole class.
Example
They finally fessed up to eating the last piece of cake.
Example
He had fessed up to his actions after being confronted by his parents.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fess 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
“fess 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
After being caught, he fessed up.
Example
She fessed up when her parents asked her about the missing money.
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
“fess 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
After being caught, he fessed up.
Example
She fessed up when her parents asked her about the missing money.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fess up”?
Fess up and (do something)
Admit to something and take a specific action as a result.
Example
It's time to fess up and apologize for your behavior.
Good things to know
Does “fess up” have an informal or formal tone?
Fess up is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'confess,' 'admit,' or 'acknowledge.'
