What are the definitions of “plow up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break the surface of soil.
The tractor PLOWED UP the field so they could sow the crop.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “plow up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb plow up is to break the surface of the soil, usually with a plow or other farming equipment. This is done to prepare the land for planting crops or other agricultural purposes.
What are the different verb forms of “plow up”?
| Root Verb | plow up |
| Third Person Singular Present | plows up |
| Present Participle | plowing up |
| Simple Past | plowed up |
| Past Participle | plowed up |
Example
The farmer needs to plow up the field before planting the seeds.
Example
He plows up the soil to prepare it for the new crop.
Example
She is plowing up the garden to plant vegetables.
Example
Yesterday, they plowed up the entire field.
Example
The land has been plowed up and is ready for planting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “plow 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
“plow 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
The farmer plowed up the field.
Example
She plowed the garden up to plant vegetables.
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
“plow 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 farmer plowed up the field.
Example
She plowed the garden up to plant vegetables.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “plow up”?
Good things to know
Does “plow up” have an informal or formal tone?
Plow up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in conversations related to agriculture and farming, but it can also be used in other situations where the breaking of the soil's surface is relevant.
