What are the definitions of “fold up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make a sheet of paper smaller.
Darren FOLDED UP the letter and put it in an envelope.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fold up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fold up is to make a sheet of paper or a piece of cloth smaller by bending it over itself several times. For example, it can mean folding a letter, a map, or a piece of clothing.
What are the different verb forms of “fold up”?
| Root Verb | fold up |
| Third Person Singular Present | folds up |
| Present Participle | folding up |
| Simple Past | folded up |
| Past Participle | folded up |
Example
Please fold up the clothes and put them in the drawer.
Example
She folds up the map after finding the location.
Example
He is folding up the laundry before putting it away.
Example
Yesterday, they folded up the tablecloth after the picnic.
Example
The napkins were folded up and placed on the table.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fold 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
“fold 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 folded up the letter and put it in the envelope.
Example
He folded the blanket up and stored it in the closet.
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
“fold 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 folded up the letter and put it in the envelope.
Example
He folded the blanket up and stored it in the closet.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fold up”?
Fold up chair
A chair that can be folded to save space when not in use.
Example
We brought fold up chairs to the beach for a comfortable place to sit.
Good things to know
Does “fold up” have an informal or formal tone?
Fold 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, such as in written instructions or when discussing specific objects like foldable furniture or equipment.
