What are the definitions of “polish up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Improve something quickly.
I need to POLISH UP my French before I go to Paris.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “polish up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb polish up is to improve something quickly, usually a skill or knowledge. It means to practice or review something to make it better or more refined.
What are the different verb forms of “polish up”?
| Root Verb | polish up |
| Third Person Singular Present | polishes up |
| Present Participle | polishing up |
| Simple Past | polished up |
| Past Participle | polished up |
Example
I need to polish up my presentation skills before the big meeting.
Example
She polishes up her piano skills before the recital.
Example
He is polishing up his Spanish before traveling to Spain.
Example
They polished up their dance routine before the competition.
Example
She had polished up her cooking skills before hosting the dinner party.
What kind of phrasal verb is “polish 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
“polish 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
I need to polish up my French before I go to Paris.
Example
She polished up her resume before applying for the job.
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
“polish 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
I need to polish up my French before I go to Paris.
Example
She polished up her resume before applying for the job.
Good things to know
Does “polish up” have an informal or formal tone?
Polish up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic environment.
