What are the definitions of “hack up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Chop or cut into small pieces.
They HACKED the table UP and burnt it.
- 2Expel by coughing.
I HACKED UP a lot of phlegm while I was ill.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hack up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hack up is to chop or cut something into small pieces. It can be used to describe cutting wood, breaking furniture, or dividing something into smaller parts.
What are the different verb forms of “hack up”?
| Root Verb | hack up |
| Third Person Singular Present | hacks up |
| Present Participle | hacking up |
| Simple Past | hacked up |
| Past Participle | hacked up |
Example
He decided to hack up the old tree in the backyard.
Example
She hacks up the vegetables for the soup.
Example
He is hacking up the branches that fell during the storm.
Example
Yesterday, they hacked up the damaged furniture.
Example
The wood was hacked up and used for firewood.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hack 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
“hack 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
He hacked up the old tree in the backyard.
Example
She hacked the vegetables up for the soup.
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
“hack 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
He hacked up the old tree in the backyard.
Example
She hacked the vegetables up for the soup.
Good things to know
Does “hack up” have an informal or formal tone?
Hack up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday speech. In more formal settings, alternative words such as 'chop,' 'cut,' or 'expel' may be more appropriate.
