What are the definitions of “lighten up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be less serious.
I told them to LIGHTEN UP but they continued complaining about it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lighten up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lighten up is to become less serious, more relaxed, or more cheerful. It is often used to tell someone to stop worrying or being upset about something.
What are the different verb forms of “lighten up”?
| Root Verb | lighten up |
| Third Person Singular Present | lightens up |
| Present Participle | lightening up |
| Simple Past | lightened up |
| Past Participle | lightened up |
Example
You should lighten up and enjoy the party.
Example
She lightens up when she sees her friends.
Example
He is lightening up after a stressful day at work.
Example
They lightened up when they heard the good news.
Example
After talking to her, he felt lightened up and more relaxed.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lighten 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.)
Intransitive verb
“lighten 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
She lightened up when she saw her friends.
Example
He lightened up after hearing the joke.
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
“lighten 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 lightened up when she saw her friends.
Example
He lightened up after hearing the joke.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lighten up”?
Good things to know
Does “lighten up” have an informal or formal tone?
Lighten up is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
