What are the definitions of “key up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make someone excited or nervous.
The noise got us KEYED UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “key up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb key up is to make someone excited or nervous. It is often used to describe a situation or event that causes a person to feel a heightened sense of anticipation or anxiety.
What are the different verb forms of “key up”?
| Root Verb | key up |
| Third Person Singular Present | keys up |
| Present Participle | keying up |
| Simple Past | keyed up |
| Past Participle | keyed up |
Example
The upcoming concert is really keying me up.
Example
The loud music keys her up every time.
Example
The suspense in the movie is keying up the audience.
Example
The big game keyed up the players last night.
Example
She was keyed up after hearing the exciting news.
What kind of phrasal verb is “key 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
“key 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
The upcoming deadline keyed up the team.
Example
The loud noise keyed the dog up.
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
“key 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
The upcoming deadline keyed up the team.
Example
The loud noise keyed the dog up.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “key up”?
Good things to know
Does “key up” have an informal or formal tone?
Key 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, depending on the specific context.
