What are the definitions of “gang up against”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Harass, bully ( in a group ).
They GANGED UP AGAINST me because I wouldn't accept their ideas.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “gang up against”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb gang up against is when a group of people join together to harass or bully someone. This usually happens when the person being targeted has a different opinion or does not agree with the group.
What are the different verb forms of “gang up against”?
| Root Verb | gang up against |
| Third Person Singular Present | gangs up against |
| Present Participle | ganging up against |
| Simple Past | ganged up against |
| Past Participle | ganged up against |
Example
The kids at school always gang up against the new student.
Example
She gangs up against anyone who disagrees with her.
Example
They are ganging up against him because he refused to join their group.
Example
The team ganged up against their coach when he made a controversial decision.
Example
He felt betrayed when his friends ganged up against him.
What kind of phrasal verb is “gang up against”?
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
“gang up against” 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
The students ganged up against the new teacher.
Example
They ganged up against her when she tried to defend herself.
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
“gang up against” 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 students ganged up against the new teacher.
Example
They ganged up against her when she tried to defend herself.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “gang up against”?
Good things to know
Does “gang up against” have an informal or formal tone?
Gang up against is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'unite against' or 'join forces against' may be more appropriate.
