What are the definitions of “fetch up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To end up or arrive at a place or situation, often unexpectedly or unintentionally.
"Look, we could scrabble round here like moles for days, then find some tunnel and crawl for days more only to fetch up at some dead end.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fetch up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fetch up is to end up or arrive at a place or situation, often unexpectedly or unintentionally. It is used to describe the final result or destination of a journey or process.
What are the different verb forms of “fetch up”?
| Root Verb | fetch up |
| Third Person Singular Present | fetches up |
| Present Participle | fetching up |
| Simple Past | fetched up |
| Past Participle | fetched up |
Example
We might fetch up in a completely different city if we keep driving aimlessly.
Example
She always fetches up at the same coffee shop every morning.
Example
He is fetching up at the wrong destination because he didn't follow the directions.
Example
They fetched up at the party by accident, not realizing it was a private event.
Example
The lost hikers were fetched up in a remote cabin after wandering for hours.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fetch 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
“fetch 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
We fetched up at the wrong address.
Example
After a long day of traveling, they fetched up at a cozy bed and breakfast.
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
“fetch 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
We fetched up at the wrong address.
Example
After a long day of traveling, they fetched up at a cozy bed and breakfast.
Good things to know
Does “fetch up” have an informal or formal tone?
Fetch up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'end up,' 'arrive at,' or 'reach' may be more appropriate.
