What are the definitions of “match up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To be equal or similar to something.
His performance has not matched up to expectations.
- 2To correspond or agree with each other.
Information received from the two informants didn’t match up.
- 3To pair or connect two things together.
You have to match up the inventor to the invention.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “match up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb match up is to be equal or similar to something. It is often used to compare two things or people and see if they are alike or meet certain expectations.
What are the different verb forms of “match up”?
| Root Verb | match up |
| Third Person Singular Present | matches up |
| Present Participle | matching up |
| Simple Past | matched up |
| Past Participle | matched up |
Example
His skills match up well with the job requirements.
Example
She matches up the socks after doing laundry.
Example
He is matching up the puzzle pieces to complete the picture.
Example
The two teams matched up well in the competition.
Example
The colors of the curtains matched up with the room's decor.
What kind of phrasal verb is “match 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
“match 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 matched up the students for the group project.
Example
The detective matched up the fingerprints to the suspect.
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
“match 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 matched up the students for the group project.
Example
The detective matched up the fingerprints to the suspect.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “match up”?
Good things to know
Does “match up” have an informal or formal tone?
Match up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in academic or professional discussions.
