What are the definitions of “rake up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Bring something back to people's attention.
The have RAKED UP some press scandals from her past.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rake up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rake up is to bring something back to people's attention, especially something negative or unpleasant from the past. It is often used when discussing past events or issues that have been forgotten or ignored.
What are the different verb forms of “rake up”?
| Root Verb | rake up |
| Third Person Singular Present | rakes up |
| Present Participle | raking up |
| Simple Past | raked up |
| Past Participle | raked up |
Example
The journalist decided to rake up the politician's past mistakes.
Example
She rakes up old arguments whenever they have a disagreement.
Example
He is raking up past issues to create controversy.
Example
They raked up the company's financial scandals during the interview.
Example
The old rumors had been raked up again, causing more problems.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rake 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
“rake 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 reporter raked up the celebrity's past controversies.
Example
She raked up the old issues during the meeting.
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
“rake 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 reporter raked up the celebrity's past controversies.
Example
She raked up the old issues during the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rake up”?
Rake up leaves
To gather fallen leaves using a rake.
Example
Every autumn, we rake up the leaves in our backyard.
Rake up dirt
To search for and reveal negative or scandalous information about someone.
Example
The tabloid was known for raking up dirt on celebrities.
Good things to know
Does “rake up” have an informal or formal tone?
Rake up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as news articles or professional discussions.
