What are the definitions of “pony up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pay for something.
I had to PONY fifty dollars UP for the meal.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pony up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pony up is to pay for something, usually when you are expected or required to do so. It often implies that the payment is somewhat reluctant or done under pressure.
What are the different verb forms of “pony up”?
| Root Verb | pony up |
| Third Person Singular Present | ponies up |
| Present Participle | ponying up |
| Simple Past | ponied up |
| Past Participle | ponied up |
Example
I need to pony up the money for the concert tickets.
Example
She ponies up the cash for her share of the rent.
Example
He is ponying up the funds for the project.
Example
They ponied up the money for the charity event.
Example
The company has ponied up the necessary funds for the expansion.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pony 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
“pony 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
He ponied up the money for the new car.
Example
She ponied up her share of the bill.
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
“pony 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
He ponied up the money for the new car.
Example
She ponied up her share of the bill.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pony up”?
Pony up reluctantly
To pay for something with reluctance or hesitation.
Example
He ponied up for the expensive dinner, even though he didn't want to.
Good things to know
Does “pony up” have an informal or formal tone?
Pony up is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or informal settings. It is not appropriate for formal writing or situations where a more formal tone is required. In such cases, alternatives like 'pay' or 'contribute' can be used.
