What are the definitions of “pluck up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Muster, acquire, gather.
They PLUCKED UP the courage to complain.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pluck up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pluck up is to gather or muster the courage, strength, or determination to do something. It is often used when someone needs to face a difficult or challenging situation.
What are the different verb forms of “pluck up”?
| Root Verb | pluck up |
| Third Person Singular Present | plucks up |
| Present Participle | plucking up |
| Simple Past | plucked up |
| Past Participle | plucked up |
Example
She plucked up the courage to speak in front of the audience.
Example
He plucks up the courage to ask his boss for a raise.
Example
They are plucking up the courage to confront their fears.
Example
Yesterday, he plucked up the courage to apologize to his friend.
Example
She had plucked up the courage to face her fears.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pluck 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
“pluck 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 plucked up the courage to speak in front of the audience.
Example
He plucked up the strength to finish the race.
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
“pluck 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 plucked up the courage to speak in front of the audience.
Example
He plucked up the strength to finish the race.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pluck up”?
Good things to know
Does “pluck up” have an informal or formal tone?
Pluck 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, depending on the specific context.
