What are the definitions of “plump up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something like a cushion bigger and softer by shaking it.
I PLUMPED UP the pillow and lay down.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “plump up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb plump up is to make something, such as a cushion or pillow, bigger and softer by shaking or fluffing it. This action helps to redistribute the filling inside the item, making it more comfortable to use.
What are the different verb forms of “plump up”?
| Root Verb | plump up |
| Third Person Singular Present | plumps up |
| Present Participle | plumping up |
| Simple Past | plumped up |
| Past Participle | plumped up |
Example
Before going to bed, I always plump up my pillows.
Example
She plumps up the cushions on the sofa every morning.
Example
He is plumping up the pillows before the guests arrive.
Example
Yesterday, she plumped up all the cushions in the living room.
Example
The pillows had been plumped up before the guests arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “plump 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
“plump 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 plumped up the cushions on the sofa.
Example
He plumped the pillows up before going to bed.
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
“plump 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 plumped up the cushions on the sofa.
Example
He plumped the pillows up before going to bed.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “plump up”?
Good things to know
Does “plump up” have an informal or formal tone?
Plump 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 found in written language, such as articles or instructions related to home care, beauty, or cooking.
