What are the definitions of “pile up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Accumulate.
Work just keeps on PILING UP and I really can't manage to get it all done.
- 2Accumulate in a pile or heap.
The ironing's PILING UP as I hate doing it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pile up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pile up is to accumulate or gather in large amounts. It can refer to physical objects, like clothes or papers, or abstract things, like work or tasks. When something piles up, it means there is a lot of it and it may be difficult to manage or handle.
What are the different verb forms of “pile up”?
| Root Verb | pile up |
| Third Person Singular Present | piles up |
| Present Participle | piling up |
| Simple Past | piled up |
| Past Participle | piled up |
Example
The laundry started to pile up because no one wanted to do it.
Example
The paperwork piles up on her desk every week.
Example
The snow is piling up outside, making it difficult to drive.
Example
The dishes piled up in the sink after the party.
Example
The leaves had piled up in the yard during the fall.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pile 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
“pile 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
The work just keeps piling up.
Example
The dirty clothes piled up in the laundry room.
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
“pile 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
The work just keeps piling up.
Example
The dirty clothes piled up in the laundry room.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pile up”?
Good things to know
Does “pile up” have an informal or formal tone?
Pile up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in a work environment or in written communication.
