What are the definitions of “foul up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To make a mistake or mess up something.
A scapegoat is a near essential in the U. S. Navy after a foul-up which costs Uncle Sam around $35 million.
- 2To cause a problem or failure.
Watch out for driftwood which may foul up the boat’s engine.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “foul up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb foul up is to make a mistake or mess up something. It can also mean to cause a problem or failure. For example, it can be used when someone makes an error at work or when a machine stops working properly.
What are the different verb forms of “foul up”?
| Root Verb | foul up |
| Third Person Singular Present | fouls up |
| Present Participle | fouling up |
| Simple Past | fouled up |
| Past Participle | fouled up |
Example
I didn't want to foul up the presentation, so I practiced a lot.
Example
He always fouls up the simplest tasks.
Example
She is fouling up the project by not following instructions.
Example
They fouled up the experiment by using the wrong chemicals.
Example
The plan was fouled up because of poor communication.
What kind of phrasal verb is “foul 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
“foul 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
He fouled up the project by not following instructions.
Example
She fouled up the recipe by adding too much salt.
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
“foul 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
He fouled up the project by not following instructions.
Example
She fouled up the recipe by adding too much salt.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “foul up”?
Foul up beyond all recognition (FUBAR)
A slang term used to describe a situation that has gone extremely wrong or is beyond repair.
Example
The project was fouled up beyond all recognition, and we had to start over.
Good things to know
Does “foul up” have an informal or formal tone?
Foul up is an informal phrasal verb and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'make a mistake,' 'mess up,' or 'cause a problem.'
