What are the definitions of “hook up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Meet someone.
We HOOKED UP at the conference.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hook up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hook up is to meet someone, usually in a casual context. For example, it can mean meeting a friend at a cafe, connecting with a colleague at a conference, or meeting a new person at a party.
What are the different verb forms of “hook up”?
| Root Verb | hook up |
| Third Person Singular Present | hooks up |
| Present Participle | hooking up |
| Simple Past | hooked up |
| Past Participle | hooked up |
Example
I plan to hook up with my friends at the mall.
Example
She often hooks up with her colleagues after work.
Example
He is hooking up with his old school friends.
Example
Yesterday, they hooked up at the conference.
Example
We have hooked up several times before.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hook 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.)
Intransitive verb
“hook up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We hooked up at the conference.
Example
They hooked up at the party.
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
“hook 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
We hooked up at the conference.
Example
They hooked up at the party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hook up”?
Good things to know
Does “hook up” have an informal or formal tone?
Hook up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversation or in social settings. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional contexts.
