What are the definitions of “fluff up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Shake or pat a cushion so that it fills with air.
He FLUFFED UP the pillow before going to bed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fluff up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fluff up is to shake or pat a cushion, pillow, or other soft object so that it fills with air and becomes softer or more comfortable. This action helps to make the object more pleasant to use.
What are the different verb forms of “fluff up”?
| Root Verb | fluff up |
| Third Person Singular Present | fluffs up |
| Present Participle | fluffing up |
| Simple Past | fluffed up |
| Past Participle | fluffed up |
Example
I always fluff up my pillows before going to bed.
Example
She fluffs up the cushions on the couch every morning.
Example
He is fluffing up the pillows on the bed to make it look nice.
Example
Yesterday, they fluffed up all the cushions in the living room.
Example
The pillows had been fluffed up before the guests arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fluff 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
“fluff 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 fluffed up the cushions on the couch.
Example
He fluffed the pillows up before going to bed.
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
“fluff 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 fluffed up the cushions on the couch.
Example
He fluffed the pillows up before going to bed.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fluff up”?
Good things to know
Does “fluff up” have an informal or formal tone?
Fluff up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
