What are the definitions of “play up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Flatter someone.
I'm PLAYING UP TO my boss at the moment because I want the promotion.
- 2Behave in a way expected.
He's got a reputation for being trouble and PLAYS UP TO it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “play up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb play up to is to flatter someone or try to gain their favor, usually for personal gain. For example, it can mean praising someone excessively or acting in a way that will make them like you more.
What are the different verb forms of “play up to”?
| Root Verb | play up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | plays up to |
| Present Participle | playing up to |
| Simple Past | played up to |
| Past Participle | played up to |
Example
She always plays up to her teachers to get better grades.
Example
He plays up to his boss to get a raise.
Example
They are playing up to the coach to get more playing time.
Example
Yesterday, she played up to her supervisor to get a day off.
Example
He had played up to the manager to secure a promotion.
What kind of phrasal verb is “play up to”?
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
“play up to” 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 played up to her boss for a promotion.
Example
He played up to his teacher for a better grade.
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
“play up to” 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 played up to her boss for a promotion.
Example
He played up to his teacher for a better grade.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “play up to”?
Play up to someone's expectations
Behave in a way that meets or confirms someone's expectations, often in a negative sense.
Example
He has a reputation for being a troublemaker, so he plays up to that image.
Good things to know
Does “play up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Play up to is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'flatter' or 'ingratiate oneself with' may be more appropriate.
