What are the definitions of “goof up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Mess, spoil.
They GOOFED UP our plans.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “goof up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb goof up is to make a mistake or mess something up. It is often used when someone does something wrong or spoils a plan or task.
What are the different verb forms of “goof up”?
| Root Verb | goof up |
| Third Person Singular Present | goofs up |
| Present Participle | goofing up |
| Simple Past | goofed up |
| Past Participle | goofed up |
Example
I didn't mean to goof up your project.
Example
He always goofs up the simplest tasks.
Example
She is always goofing up her assignments.
Example
Yesterday, I goofed up the presentation.
Example
The project was goofed up because of the wrong calculations.
What kind of phrasal verb is “goof 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
“goof 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
I goofed up the recipe.
Example
He goofed up his lines in the play.
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
“goof 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
I goofed up the recipe.
Example
He goofed up his lines in the play.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “goof up”?
Good things to know
Does “goof up” have an informal or formal tone?
Goof up is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in casual conversations and is not typically used in formal or professional settings. Instead, words like 'mistake', 'error', or 'blunder' might be used.
