What are the definitions of “measure up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Find out the size of something.
They MEASURED UP the room.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “measure up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb measure up to is to find out the size of something, such as a room or an object. It is often used when determining the dimensions of a space or an item.
What are the different verb forms of “measure up to”?
| Root Verb | measure up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | measures up to |
| Present Participle | measuring up to |
| Simple Past | measured up to |
| Past Participle | measured up to |
Example
The tailor needs to measure up to the client's body for a perfect fit.
Example
She measures up to the furniture before buying it.
Example
He is measuring up to the room to see if the new couch will fit.
Example
Yesterday, they measured up to the space for the new kitchen cabinets.
Example
The dimensions of the table have been measured up to and noted down.
What kind of phrasal verb is “measure up to”?
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
“measure up to” 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 measured up to the room before buying new furniture.
Example
He measured up to the space to see if the new couch would fit.
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
“measure up to” 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 measured up to the room before buying new furniture.
Example
He measured up to the space to see if the new couch would fit.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “measure up to”?
Good things to know
Does “measure up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Measure up to 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 academic discussions.
