What are the definitions of “free up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make money or time available by not using it elsewhere.
If we get the work done tonight, it will FREE UP the weekend to go away.
- 2Do work or a task for someone to make them available for something.
If you proofread this text, it will FREE me UP to get on with the next part.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “free up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb free up is to make time or resources available by not using them elsewhere. It can be used to describe making time for a task or activity, or to allocate resources for a specific purpose.
What are the different verb forms of “free up”?
| Root Verb | free up |
| Third Person Singular Present | frees up |
| Present Participle | freeing up |
| Simple Past | freed up |
| Past Participle | freed up |
Example
I need to free up some time to work on my project.
Example
She frees up her schedule to spend more time with her family.
Example
He is freeing up some space on his computer by deleting old files.
Example
They freed up some budget to invest in new equipment.
Example
The meeting was canceled, so my afternoon was freed up.
What kind of phrasal verb is “free 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
“free 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 freed up some time to help her friend.
Example
He freed up some money for the new project.
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
“free 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 freed up some time to help her friend.
Example
He freed up some money for the new project.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “free up”?
Free up resources
Allocate resources, such as money or personnel, for a specific purpose by not using them elsewhere.
Example
The company freed up resources to invest in research and development.
Good things to know
Does “free up” have an informal or formal tone?
Free 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 business or academic discussions.
