What are the definitions of “mash up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Crush something until it becomes a paste.
He MASHED UP some bananas for the dessert.
- 2Mix sources of audio, video or other computer sources..
She MASHED UP the songs into a single track.
- 3Break or damage.
He MASHED UP my MP3 player and lost my files.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mash up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mash up is to crush or mix something until it becomes a paste or a mixture. For example, it can mean mashing up fruits for a dessert, or blending different ingredients together.
What are the different verb forms of “mash up”?
| Root Verb | mash up |
| Third Person Singular Present | mashes up |
| Present Participle | mashing up |
| Simple Past | mashed up |
| Past Participle | mashed up |
Example
I need to mash up the potatoes for dinner.
Example
She mashes up the ingredients for the smoothie.
Example
He is mashing up the avocado for the guacamole.
Example
Yesterday, they mashed up the apples for the pie.
Example
The bananas were mashed up and added to the cake batter.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mash 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
“mash 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
She mashed up the bananas for the dessert.
Example
He mashed the songs up into a single track.
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
“mash 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 mashed up the bananas for the dessert.
Example
He mashed the songs up into a single track.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mash up”?
Mash-up (noun)
A creative combination or mixing of content from different sources, often used in music, videos, or digital media.
Example
The DJ created a mash-up of popular songs from the 90s.
Mashed potatoes
A popular side dish made by mashing boiled potatoes, often mixed with butter, milk, and seasonings.
Example
We had mashed potatoes with our roast chicken for dinner.
Good things to know
Does “mash up” have an informal or formal tone?
Mash up is generally considered a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, alternative words such as 'blend', 'combine', or 'mix' may be more appropriate.
