What are the definitions of “join up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Enlist in the military or a similar organization.
He joined up right after leaving school.
- 2To collaborate or work together with someone or a group.
We’re joining up with another research team.
- 3To connect or link together.
You need to join up these two lines.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “join up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb join up is to enlist in the military or a similar organization. It means to become a member of a group, especially for serving in the armed forces. For example, someone might join up after finishing school or when they feel a strong sense of duty.
What are the different verb forms of “join up”?
| Root Verb | join up |
| Third Person Singular Present | joins up |
| Present Participle | joining up |
| Simple Past | joined up |
| Past Participle | joined up |
Example
He decided to join up after high school.
Example
She joins up with the army next month.
Example
He is joining up with the navy soon.
Example
They joined up together last year.
Example
She had joined up with the air force before starting college.
What kind of phrasal verb is “join 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
“join 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 joined up the military after leaving school.
Example
We joined up with another research team.
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
“join 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 joined up the military after leaving school.
Example
We joined up with another research team.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “join up”?
Good things to know
Does “join up” have an informal or formal tone?
Join up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as discussing military enlistment or professional collaborations.
