What are the definitions of “hit up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Inject drugs.
She's been HITTING UP for years.
- 2Ask someone for some money.
He always tries to HIT me UP for money when we meet.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hit up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hit up is to ask someone for something, usually money or a favor. It is often used in informal situations and conversations.
What are the different verb forms of “hit up”?
| Root Verb | hit up |
| Third Person Singular Present | hits up |
| Present Participle | hitting up |
| Simple Past | hit up |
| Past Participle | hit up |
Example
I need to hit up my friend for some advice.
Example
He hits up his friends for money whenever he's in trouble.
Example
She is hitting up her classmates for help with her project.
Example
Yesterday, I hit up my brother for a ride to the airport.
Example
He had hit up his friends for support during difficult times.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hit 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
“hit 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 hit up her friend for a loan.
Example
He hit his friend up for some help with his homework.
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
“hit 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 hit up her friend for a loan.
Example
He hit his friend up for some help with his homework.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hit up”?
Good things to know
Does “hit up” have an informal or formal tone?
Hit up is an informal phrasal verb and is not suitable for formal situations or writing. It is commonly used in casual conversations among friends or acquaintances.
