What are the definitions of “patch up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Fix or make things better.
I tried to PATCH things UP after the argument, but they wouldn't speak to me.
- 2Give an injured person basic medical treatment.
After the accident, they PATCHED her UP and sent her to hospital.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “patch up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb patch up is to fix or make things better, especially in relationships or situations. It can also mean giving basic medical treatment to an injured person.
What are the different verb forms of “patch up”?
| Root Verb | patch up |
| Third Person Singular Present | patches up |
| Present Participle | patching up |
| Simple Past | patched up |
| Past Participle | patched up |
Example
I need to patch up the hole in my jeans.
Example
She patches up her relationship with her sister.
Example
He is patching up the broken fence.
Example
They patched up their differences and became friends again.
Example
The injured man was patched up by the paramedics.
What kind of phrasal verb is “patch 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
“patch 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 patched up the broken vase.
Example
He patched their relationship up after the fight.
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
“patch 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 patched up the broken vase.
Example
He patched their relationship up after the fight.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “patch up”?
Patch things up
To fix or improve a relationship or situation after a disagreement or problem.
Example
They had a big fight, but they managed to patch things up and remain friends.
Good things to know
Does “patch up” have an informal or formal tone?
Patch up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
