What are the definitions of “grass on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Report someone to a person in authority.
He GRASSED ON us and got us into a lot of trouble.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “grass on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb grass on is to report someone to a person in authority, usually because they have done something wrong. This can be seen as betraying someone's trust or being disloyal.
What are the different verb forms of “grass on”?
| Root Verb | grass on |
| Third Person Singular Present | grasses on |
| Present Participle | grassing on |
| Simple Past | grassed on |
| Past Participle | grassed on |
Example
Don't grass on your friends; it's not nice.
Example
He grasses on his classmates when they break the rules.
Example
She is grassing on her coworker for stealing office supplies.
Example
They grassed on their neighbor for playing loud music late at night.
Example
He felt guilty after he had grassed on his best friend.
What kind of phrasal verb is “grass 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
“grass 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
She grassed on her brother for stealing cookies.
Example
He grassed on his coworker for taking long breaks.
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
“grass 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
She grassed on her brother for stealing cookies.
Example
He grassed on his coworker for taking long breaks.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “grass on”?
Grass someone up
To report someone to the authorities, especially the police.
Example
He decided to grass up the thief to the police.
Grass roots
The most basic level of an organization or society.
Example
The politician wanted to connect with the grass roots of the community.
Good things to know
Does “grass on” have an informal or formal tone?
Grass on is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not appropriate for formal settings or professional communication. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'report' or 'inform on' can be used.
