What are the definitions of “gang up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Harass, bully.
They GANGED UP ON him because of the way he spoke.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “gang up on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb gang up on is when a group of people join together to harass or bully someone. This can happen in various situations, such as at school, work, or online.
What are the different verb forms of “gang up on”?
| Root Verb | gang up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | gangs up on |
| Present Participle | ganging up on |
| Simple Past | ganged up on |
| Past Participle | ganged up on |
Example
The kids at school always gang up on the new student.
Example
She gangs up on her younger brother with her friends.
Example
The group of boys is ganging up on the new kid in the playground.
Example
They ganged up on him because he was different.
Example
She felt hurt after being ganged up on by her classmates.
What kind of phrasal verb is “gang up on”?
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 on” 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 group ganged up on the new student.
Example
They ganged up on him because of his accent.
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 on” 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 group ganged up on the new student.
Example
They ganged up on him because of his accent.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “gang up on”?
Good things to know
Does “gang up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Gang up on is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written documents.
