What are the definitions of “queer up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Mess up, ruin.
I QUEERED the exam UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “queer up”?
The phrasal verb queer up means to mess up or ruin something. It is used when something goes wrong or does not go as planned.
What are the different verb forms of “queer up”?
| Root Verb | queer up |
| Third Person Singular Present | queers up |
| Present Participle | queering up |
| Simple Past | queered up |
| Past Participle | queered up |
Example
I accidentally queered up the cake by adding too much salt.
Example
He always queers up his room when he's looking for something.
Example
She is queering up the project by not following the instructions.
Example
Yesterday, they queered up the presentation with technical issues.
Example
The party was queered up by the unexpected rain.
What kind of phrasal verb is “queer 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
“queer 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 queered up the exam.
Example
She queered the project up with her mistakes.
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
“queer 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 queered up the exam.
Example
She queered the project up with her mistakes.
Good things to know
Does “queer up” have an informal or formal tone?
Queer up is an informal phrasal verb and is not commonly used in formal settings. It is more appropriate for casual conversations or informal writing.
