What are the definitions of “hunt up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Search for and manage to find something.
He HUNTED UP a copy the book in the British library.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hunt up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hunt up is to search for something and manage to find it. It is often used when looking for something that is difficult to find or requires effort to locate.
What are the different verb forms of “hunt up”?
| Root Verb | hunt up |
| Third Person Singular Present | hunts up |
| Present Participle | hunting up |
| Simple Past | hunted up |
| Past Participle | hunted up |
Example
I need to hunt up my old photo albums for the reunion.
Example
She hunts up rare books for her collection.
Example
He is hunting up some old documents for his research.
Example
Yesterday, they hunted up a rare painting at the flea market.
Example
The missing keys were finally hunted up in the drawer.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hunt 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
“hunt 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 hunted up a rare book at the library.
Example
He hunted up the missing documents in the archives.
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
“hunt 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 hunted up a rare book at the library.
Example
He hunted up the missing documents in the archives.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hunt up”?
Hunt up information
To search for and find specific information, often through research or investigation.
Example
The journalist hunted up information about the politician's past.
Good things to know
Does “hunt up” have an informal or formal tone?
Hunt up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic research or professional tasks.
