What are the definitions of “prop up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Support something, both physically and financially, politically, etc..
The council have PROPPED UP the museum for years with grants.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “prop up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb prop up is to support something or someone, either physically or in other ways, such as financially or politically. It can be used to describe providing assistance or resources to help maintain stability or prevent failure.
What are the different verb forms of “prop up”?
| Root Verb | prop up |
| Third Person Singular Present | props up |
| Present Participle | propping up |
| Simple Past | propped up |
| Past Participle | propped up |
Example
The government decided to prop up the struggling industry.
Example
She props up the leaning bookshelf with a wooden block.
Example
He is propping up the broken fence until it can be repaired.
Example
They propped up the small business with a loan.
Example
The economy was propped up by government intervention.
What kind of phrasal verb is “prop 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
“prop 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 teacher propped up the student's confidence with praise.
Example
He propped the painting up against the wall.
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
“prop 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 teacher propped up the student's confidence with praise.
Example
He propped the painting up against the wall.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “prop up”?
Prop up a government
Support a government, often through financial aid or political backing, to help maintain its stability and power.
Example
The international community decided to prop up the government to prevent a power vacuum.
Prop up a business
Provide financial assistance or resources to a struggling business to help it stay afloat.
Example
The investors propped up the start-up company with additional funding.
Good things to know
Does “prop up” have an informal or formal tone?
Prop up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business discussions or political debates.
