What are the definitions of “limber up for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Prepare for something that will require a great effort.
They are LIMBERING UP FOR the end of the financial year.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “limber up for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb limber up for is to prepare oneself for an activity or event that will require a great effort, often by stretching or warming up physically or mentally. For example, athletes might limber up before a big game, or a person might limber up before a challenging task.
What are the different verb forms of “limber up for”?
| Root Verb | limber up for |
| Third Person Singular Present | limbers up for |
| Present Participle | limbering up for |
| Simple Past | limbered up for |
| Past Participle | limbered up for |
Example
I always limber up for my morning run to avoid injuries.
Example
She limbers up for her yoga class by doing some light stretches.
Example
He is limbering up for the big presentation at work.
Example
Yesterday, they limbered up for the marathon by doing some warm-up exercises.
Example
The team had limbered up for the match, but it was canceled due to rain.
What kind of phrasal verb is “limber up for”?
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
“limber up for” 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
Before the race, the runners limbered up.
Example
She limbered up before her dance performance.
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
“limber up for” 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
Before the race, the runners limbered up.
Example
She limbered up before her dance performance.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “limber up for”?
Limber up one's muscles
To stretch and warm up one's muscles before engaging in physical activity.
Example
It's important to limber up your muscles before exercising to prevent injury.
Good things to know
Does “limber up for” have an informal or formal tone?
Limber up for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing physical activities or preparing for challenging tasks. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with synonyms such as 'prepare for' or 'get ready for'.
