What are the definitions of “load up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Consume a lot of something for a particular purpose.
The athletes LOADED UP ON carbohydrates before the race.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “load up on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb load up on is to consume a large amount of something, usually food or drink, for a specific purpose or reason. This can be done to prepare for an event, to gain energy, or to satisfy a craving.
What are the different verb forms of “load up on”?
| Root Verb | load up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | loads up on |
| Present Participle | loading up on |
| Simple Past | loaded up on |
| Past Participle | loaded up on |
Example
Before the marathon, the runners loaded up on pasta to have enough energy.
Example
She loads up on fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet.
Example
He is loading up on protein to build muscle.
Example
They loaded up on snacks before the long road trip.
Example
She had loaded up on coffee to stay awake during the night shift.
What kind of phrasal verb is “load up on”?
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
“load up on” 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 athletes loaded up on carbohydrates before the race.
Example
She loaded up on vitamins to boost her immune system.
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
“load up on” 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 athletes loaded up on carbohydrates before the race.
Example
She loaded up on vitamins to boost her immune system.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “load up on”?
Load up on information
To gather or acquire a large amount of information or knowledge about a particular subject.
Example
Before the exam, the students loaded up on information about the topic.
Good things to know
Does “load up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Load up on is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for very formal settings, where alternatives like 'consume a large amount of' or 'stock up on' might be more appropriate.
