What are the definitions of “flame up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Burn brightly.
The wood FLAMED UP in the fire.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “flame up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb flame up is to burn brightly or suddenly increase in intensity. It is often used to describe a fire or a flame that becomes stronger or more intense.
What are the different verb forms of “flame up”?
| Root Verb | flame up |
| Third Person Singular Present | flames up |
| Present Participle | flaming up |
| Simple Past | flamed up |
| Past Participle | flamed up |
Example
The campfire started to flame up when we added more wood.
Example
The candle flames up when the wind blows.
Example
The fire is flaming up due to the strong wind.
Example
The fire flamed up when we threw gasoline on it.
Example
The fire had flamed up quickly, surprising everyone.
What kind of phrasal verb is “flame 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
“flame 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 fire flamed up suddenly.
Example
The candle flamed up when the wind blew.
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
“flame 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 fire flamed up suddenly.
Example
The candle flamed up when the wind blew.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “flame up”?
Good things to know
Does “flame up” have an informal or formal tone?
Flame 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 writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
