What does the phrasal verb “hurry up” mean?

What are the definitions of “hurry up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To do something quickly or more quickly than usual.

  Hurry up and finish your soup.

• 2. To move or act quickly.

  Hurry up, some of us need to get to work.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hurry up is to do something quickly or more quickly than usual. It is often used to encourage someone to move or act faster. For example, it can mean telling someone to finish their meal quickly or to walk faster.

What are the different verb forms of “hurry up”?

Root Verb	hurry up
Third Person Singular Present	hurries up
Present Participle	hurrying up
Simple Past	hurried up
Past Participle	hurried up

Example

Please hurry up and finish your homework.

Example

She always hurries up when she's late for school.

Example

He is hurrying up to catch the bus.

Example

Yesterday, they hurried up to make it to the movie on time.

Example

The children hurried up when their mother called them for dinner.

What kind of phrasal verb is “hurry up”?

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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.)

Intransitive verb

“hurry 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 need to hurry up if we want to catch the train.

Example

She hurried up when she realized she was late.

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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

“hurry 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 need to hurry up if we want to catch the train.

Example

She hurried up when she realized she was late.

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

Hurry up and wait

A situation where someone is rushed to complete a task, only to have to wait for the next step or event.

Example

We hurried up to get to the airport, only to find out our flight was delayed.

Hurry up offense

A strategy in American football where the offensive team moves quickly between plays to prevent the defense from making adjustments.

Example

The team used a hurry up offense to keep their opponents off balance.

Hurry up and do something

A phrase used to encourage someone to complete a task quickly.

Example

Please hurry up and finish your chores so we can go to the park.

Good things to know

Does “hurry up” have an informal or formal tone?

Hurry up is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be appropriate for very formal settings, where more formal alternatives like 'expedite' or 'accelerate' might be preferred.

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

Synonyms

• rush
• hasten
• accelerate
• expedite
• quickly
• speed up

Antonyms

• delay
• dawdle
• procrastinate
• linger
• loiter
• slow down