What are the definitions of “mug up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Study quickly, revise.
I have to MUG UP before the exam.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mug up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mug up is to study or revise quickly, usually before an exam or a test. It means to learn or memorize information in a short period of time.
What are the different verb forms of “mug up”?
| Root Verb | mug up |
| Third Person Singular Present | mugs up |
| Present Participle | mugging up |
| Simple Past | mugged up |
| Past Participle | mugged up |
Example
I need to mug up on this chapter before the test.
Example
She mugs up on her notes before every class.
Example
He is mugging up on the material for tomorrow's presentation.
Example
Yesterday, they mugged up on the history of the country.
Example
She had mugged up on the subject before the interview.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mug 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.)
Intransitive verb
“mug up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I need to mug up before the exam.
Example
She mugged up on the material last night.
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
“mug 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 need to mug up before the exam.
Example
She mugged up on the material last night.
Good things to know
Does “mug up” have an informal or formal tone?
Mug up is an informal phrasal verb, mostly used in casual conversations among friends, classmates, or colleagues. It is not typically used in formal settings or professional writing. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'study,' 'revise,' or 'review' can be used.
