What are the definitions of “line up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Arrange in a line.
The police got them to LINE UP against the wall.
- 2Arrange something in a line.
He LINED the bottles UP against the wall.
- 3Arrange events for someone.
We have LINED UP a lot of meetings for them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “line up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb line up is to arrange people or things in a straight row or line. It can be used to describe people standing in a queue or objects placed in a neat row.
What are the different verb forms of “line up”?
| Root Verb | line up |
| Third Person Singular Present | lines up |
| Present Participle | lining up |
| Simple Past | lined up |
| Past Participle | lined up |
Example
Please line up the chairs before the meeting starts.
Example
She lines up her shoes neatly in the closet.
Example
The teacher is lining up the students for the school photo.
Example
He lined up the books on the shelf.
Example
The cars were lined up in the parking lot.
What kind of phrasal verb is “line 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
“line 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 teacher lined up the students.
Example
She lined the chairs up in the room.
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
“line 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 teacher lined up the students.
Example
She lined the chairs up in the room.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “line up”?
Good things to know
Does “line up” have an informal or formal tone?
Line up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or official events.
