What are the definitions of “pipe up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To speak, raise your voice.
At first, no one answered, then finally someone PIPED UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pipe up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pipe up is to speak or raise your voice, especially when you were quiet before or when you suddenly have something to say. It is often used when someone speaks unexpectedly or hesitantly.
What are the different verb forms of “pipe up”?
| Root Verb | pipe up |
| Third Person Singular Present | pipes up |
| Present Participle | piping up |
| Simple Past | piped up |
| Past Participle | piped up |
Example
When the teacher asked a question, a student piped up with the correct answer.
Example
She rarely speaks in class, but when she does, she pipes up with insightful comments.
Example
He was piping up with suggestions during the meeting.
Example
When the topic of vacation came up, he piped up with his travel experiences.
Example
She piped up with a question during the presentation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pipe 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
“pipe 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 piped up when he heard his favorite song.
Example
She piped up with a question during the discussion.
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
“pipe 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 piped up when he heard his favorite song.
Example
She piped up with a question during the discussion.
Good things to know
Does “pipe up” have an informal or formal tone?
Pipe up is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternatives like 'speak up' or 'raise one's voice'.
