What are the definitions of “own up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Confess.
Nobody OWNED UP to breaking the window.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “own up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb own up is to confess or admit to something, usually a mistake or wrongdoing. It means taking responsibility for one's actions and being honest about what happened.
What are the different verb forms of “own up”?
| Root Verb | own up |
| Third Person Singular Present | owns up |
| Present Participle | owning up |
| Simple Past | owned up |
| Past Participle | owned up |
Example
If you made a mistake, it's best to own up and apologize.
Example
She always owns up to her mistakes and learns from them.
Example
He is owning up to his actions and accepting the consequences.
Example
Yesterday, he finally owned up to his mistake and apologized.
Example
She had owned up to her error and promised to fix it.
What kind of phrasal verb is “own 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
“own 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
He owned up to his mistake.
Example
She owned up after being confronted with the evidence.
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
“own 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
He owned up to his mistake.
Example
She owned up after being confronted with the evidence.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “own up”?
Good things to know
Does “own up” have an informal or formal tone?
Own up 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 in a workplace or academic environment.
