What are the definitions of “ham up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Perform or act in an excessive way to attract attention or amuse people.
He HAMMED the part UP to get the audience to laugh.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ham up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ham up is to perform or act in an exaggerated or excessive way, usually to attract attention or amuse people. It is often used to describe actors or performers who overact or exaggerate their actions for comedic effect.
What are the different verb forms of “ham up”?
| Root Verb | ham up |
| Third Person Singular Present | hams up |
| Present Participle | hamming up |
| Simple Past | hammed up |
| Past Participle | hammed up |
Example
She always hams up her stories to make them more interesting.
Example
He hams up his performance to get more laughs from the audience.
Example
The comedian is hamming up his act to entertain the crowd.
Example
The actor hammed up his role in the play, making it more amusing.
Example
The performance was hammed up to make it more entertaining.
What kind of phrasal verb is “ham 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
“ham 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
She hammed up her speech to make it more engaging.
Example
He hammed up his performance to get more laughs.
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
“ham 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
She hammed up her speech to make it more engaging.
Example
He hammed up his performance to get more laughs.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “ham up”?
Ham it up
To overact or exaggerate one's actions or emotions, often for comedic effect.
Example
The actor hammed it up during the scene, making the audience laugh.
Good things to know
Does “ham up” have an informal or formal tone?
Ham up is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or when discussing performances, such as in theater or comedy. It is not commonly used in formal settings or writing.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “ham up”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- understate
- downplay
- minimize
- be subtle
- be understated
