What are the definitions of “fess up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Confess, admit reluctantly to something.
They FESSED UP TO the crime.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fess up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fess up to is to confess or admit something reluctantly, often after trying to hide or deny it. It is usually used when someone finally admits the truth about something they did or a mistake they made.
What are the different verb forms of “fess up to”?
| Root Verb | fess up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | fesses up to |
| Present Participle | fessing up to |
| Simple Past | fessed up to |
| Past Participle | fessed up to |
Example
He finally fessed up to breaking the vase.
Example
She fesses up to her mistakes when confronted.
Example
He is fessing up to his actions after being caught.
Example
They fessed up to the crime after the evidence was presented.
Example
He had fessed up to his mistake and apologized.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fess up to”?
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
“fess up to” 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 fessed up to her mistake.
Example
He fessed up to the lie he told.
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 to” 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 fessed up to her mistake.
Example
He fessed up to the lie he told.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fess up to”?
Good things to know
Does “fess up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Fess up to is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms such as 'confess,' 'admit,' or 'acknowledge.'
