What are the definitions of “pep up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something more interesting.
You need to PEP your writing UP.
- 2Make someone more enthusiastic, energetic or interested.
Her talk PEPPED us UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pep up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pep up is to make something or someone more interesting, enthusiastic, energetic, or interested. It can be used to describe improving a situation, an object, or a person's mood.
What are the different verb forms of “pep up”?
| Root Verb | pep up |
| Third Person Singular Present | peps up |
| Present Participle | pepping up |
| Simple Past | pepped up |
| Past Participle | pepped up |
Example
I need to pep up my presentation to make it more engaging.
Example
She peps up the room with colorful decorations.
Example
He is pepping up the party with some lively music.
Example
Yesterday, they pepped up the meeting with an interactive activity.
Example
The room was pepped up with bright colors and interesting artwork.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pep 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
“pep 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 pepped up the party with her enthusiasm.
Example
He pepped the room up with some colorful decorations.
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
“pep 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 pepped up the party with her enthusiasm.
Example
He pepped the room up with some colorful decorations.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pep up”?
Pep talk
A motivational speech given to inspire or encourage someone.
Example
The coach gave the team a pep talk before the big game.
Good things to know
Does “pep up” have an informal or formal tone?
Pep up is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal synonyms such as 'energize,' 'revitalize,' or 'stimulate' may be more appropriate in formal contexts.
