What are the definitions of “mop up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Resolve a problem.
He was left to MOP UP the mess after they resigned.
- 2Kill or capture the last few enemy soldiers after a victory..
After the battle, it took them a couple of weeks to MOP UP the remaining rebels.
- 3Eat a sauce with bread to finish it.
The sauce was so delicious that I ordered some bread to MOP it UP.
- 4Remove a liquid that has been spilt.
I used a cloth to MOP UP the coffee I had knocked over.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mop up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mop up is to clean or remove a liquid that has been spilled. For example, it can mean wiping up a spilled drink or cleaning a wet floor.
What are the different verb forms of “mop up”?
| Root Verb | mop up |
| Third Person Singular Present | mops up |
| Present Participle | mopping up |
| Simple Past | mopped up |
| Past Participle | mopped up |
Example
I need to mop up the water on the floor.
Example
She mops up the spilled juice quickly.
Example
He is mopping up the mess in the kitchen.
Example
Yesterday, they mopped up the spilled milk.
Example
The spilled coffee was mopped up by the waiter.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mop 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
“mop 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 mopped up the spilled water.
Example
He mopped the mess up after the party.
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
“mop 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 mopped up the spilled water.
Example
He mopped the mess up after the party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mop up”?
Good things to know
Does “mop up” have an informal or formal tone?
Mop up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'clean up,' 'resolve,' or 'address' may be more appropriate, depending on the context.
