What does the phrasal verb “hit up on” mean?

What are the definitions of “hit up on”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Inject drugs.

  He's been HITTING UP ON heroin for years.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hit up on”?

The phrasal verb hit up on has a specific meaning. It is used to describe the action of injecting drugs, especially illicit substances like heroin.

What are the different verb forms of “hit up on”?

Root Verb	hit up on
Third Person Singular Present	hits up on
Present Participle	hitting up on
Simple Past	hit up on
Past Participle	hit up on

Example

He's been hitting up on various substances.

Example

She hits up on drugs despite knowing the risks.

Example

They're always hitting up on dangerous substances.

Example

Yesterday, he hit up on some narcotics.

Example

He had hit up on multiple times in the past.

What kind of phrasal verb is “hit up on”?

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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 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

He's been hitting up on heroin for years.

Example

She was caught hitting up on illegal drugs.

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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 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

He's been hitting up on heroin for years.

Example

She was caught hitting up on illegal drugs.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hit up on”?

Hit up on drugs

To inject illegal or harmful substances into the body.

Example

He's struggling to quit after hitting up on heroin for years.

Hitting up on narcotics

Referring to the act of injecting narcotics.

Example

She's aware of the consequences but can't stop hitting up on drugs.

Addressing hitting up on

Discussing the dangerous practice of injecting substances.

Example

The documentary sheds light on the risks of hitting up on harmful drugs.

Good things to know

Does “hit up on” have an informal or formal tone?

The phrasal verb hit up on is highly informal and is used in discussions about drug use and related matters. It is not suitable for formal conversations and should be used with caution due to its specific and potentially sensitive context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “hit up on”?

Synonyms

• inject drugs
• shoot up
• use needles
• administer substances

Antonyms

• rehabilitate
• recover
• stay clean
• avoid drug use