What are the definitions of “mix up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Confuse.
I always MIX those two sisters UP because they look so like each other.
- 2Make something lively.
The DJ MIXED UP the night with some hard techno.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mix up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mix up is to confuse one thing with another, especially when they are similar. It can be used when talking about people, objects, or ideas that are easily mistaken for each other.
What are the different verb forms of “mix up”?
| Root Verb | mix up |
| Third Person Singular Present | mixes up |
| Present Participle | mixing up |
| Simple Past | mixed up |
| Past Participle | mixed up |
Example
I always mix up their names because they sound so similar.
Example
She mixes up the twins all the time.
Example
He is always mixing up the ingredients in the recipe.
Example
Yesterday, I mixed up the meeting times and arrived late.
Example
The files were mixed up and needed to be sorted.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mix 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
“mix 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 mixed up the dates of the appointments.
Example
She mixed the papers up and had to sort them again.
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
“mix 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 mixed up the dates of the appointments.
Example
She mixed the papers up and had to sort them again.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mix up”?
Mix-up
A mistake or confusion, often used as a noun.
Example
There was a mix-up at the hotel, and they gave us the wrong room.
Good things to know
Does “mix up” have an informal or formal tone?
Mix up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
