What are the definitions of “gin up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Boost, increase or exaggerate.
The candidates tried to GIN UP support at the straw poll by transporting their supporters for free.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “gin up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb gin up is to boost, increase, or exaggerate something. It is often used in the context of generating or stimulating interest, support, or enthusiasm for something.
What are the different verb forms of “gin up”?
| Root Verb | gin up |
| Third Person Singular Present | gins up |
| Present Participle | ginning up |
| Simple Past | ginned up |
| Past Participle | ginned up |
Example
The marketing team is trying to gin up interest in the new product.
Example
She always gins up excitement for her projects.
Example
He is ginning up support for his campaign.
Example
They ginned up a lot of hype for the movie.
Example
The excitement was ginned up by the media.
What kind of phrasal verb is “gin 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
“gin 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
The company ginned up interest in their new product.
Example
He ginned up support for his campaign.
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
“gin 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
The company ginned up interest in their new product.
Example
He ginned up support for his campaign.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “gin up”?
Gin up enthusiasm
To generate or stimulate enthusiasm or excitement.
Example
The event organizers are trying to gin up enthusiasm among the attendees.
Good things to know
Does “gin up” have an informal or formal tone?
Gin up is a colloquial phrase, which means it is more commonly used in informal speech and writing. It is often used in casual conversations, and it may not be suitable for formal or academic contexts. For example, in a formal business meeting, it might be more appropriate to use terms like 'generate' or 'stimulate' instead of gin up.