What are the definitions of “loosen up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become more relaxed or comfortable.
He was very shy at first but has LOOSENED UP and is more talkative now.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “loosen up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb loosen up is to become more relaxed or comfortable in a situation. It often refers to a person who starts to feel more at ease and less tense or nervous. For example, someone might loosen up at a party after talking to a few people.
What are the different verb forms of “loosen up”?
| Root Verb | loosen up |
| Third Person Singular Present | loosens up |
| Present Participle | loosening up |
| Simple Past | loosened up |
| Past Participle | loosened up |
Example
It's important to loosen up before exercising to prevent injuries.
Example
She usually loosens up after spending some time with new people.
Example
He is loosening up and enjoying the party more now.
Example
After a few minutes of conversation, they loosened up and started to have fun.
Example
Once he loosened up, he was able to make new friends easily.
What kind of phrasal verb is “loosen 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
“loosen 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 loosened up after a few minutes of conversation.
Example
He loosened up once he got to know everyone at the party.
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
“loosen 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 loosened up after a few minutes of conversation.
Example
He loosened up once he got to know everyone at the party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “loosen up”?
Loosen up one's muscles
To stretch or warm up the muscles before exercising or engaging in physical activity.
Example
Before running, it's important to loosen up your muscles to avoid injury.
Loosen up the atmosphere
To create a more relaxed and comfortable environment, often by encouraging conversation or laughter.
Example
The host tried to loosen up the atmosphere by telling jokes and playing games.
Good things to know
Does “loosen up” have an informal or formal tone?
Loosen up is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'become more relaxed' or 'ease up' might be more appropriate.
