What are the definitions of “jack up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Raise a car to be able to do mechanical work.
We JACKED the car UP and changed the tyre.
- 2Increase sharply.
They have JACKED UP the price of oil this month.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “jack up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb jack up is to raise a car or other heavy object to be able to do mechanical work, such as changing a tire or fixing the underside. It often involves using a jack, which is a device designed to lift heavy objects.
What are the different verb forms of “jack up”?
| Root Verb | jack up |
| Third Person Singular Present | jacks up |
| Present Participle | jacking up |
| Simple Past | jacked up |
| Past Participle | jacked up |
Example
I need to jack up the car to change the flat tire.
Example
He jacks up the car to check the brakes.
Example
She is jacking up the car to replace the oil filter.
Example
Yesterday, they jacked up the truck to fix a leak.
Example
The car was jacked up so they could inspect the suspension.
What kind of phrasal verb is “jack 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
“jack 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
He jacked up the car to change the tire.
Example
The mechanic jacked the car up to inspect the brakes.
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
“jack 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
He jacked up the car to change the tire.
Example
The mechanic jacked the car up to inspect the brakes.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “jack up”?
Good things to know
Does “jack up” have an informal or formal tone?
Jack up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'raise,' 'increase,' or 'elevate' depending on the context.
