What are the definitions of “mess up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Spoil or ruin.
They MESSED UP the discussions and the contract fell through.
- 2Make something untidy or dirty.
They MESSED UP the room and left stuff all over the place.
- 3Cause mental, physical or emotional problems.
He took a lot of LSD and it really MESSED him UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mess up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mess up is to spoil or ruin something, such as a plan, a project, or a situation. It can also mean making a mistake or doing something wrong.
What are the different verb forms of “mess up”?
| Root Verb | mess up |
| Third Person Singular Present | messes up |
| Present Participle | messing up |
| Simple Past | messed up |
| Past Participle | messed up |
Example
I didn't mean to mess up your plans for the weekend.
Example
She always messes up her room when she's looking for something.
Example
He is messing up the kitchen while trying to cook dinner.
Example
Yesterday, I messed up my presentation at work.
Example
The project was messed up because of poor communication.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mess 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
“mess 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
I messed up the cake by adding too much sugar.
Example
She messed up her hair by using the wrong hair product.
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
“mess 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
I messed up the cake by adding too much sugar.
Example
She messed up her hair by using the wrong hair product.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mess up”?
Mess up one's chances
To ruin or reduce the likelihood of achieving a goal or succeeding.
Example
By not studying, she messed up her chances of passing the exam.
Good things to know
Does “mess up” have an informal or formal tone?
Mess up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms such as 'ruin,' 'spoil,' or 'disrupt.'
