What are the definitions of “ramp up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Increase price, speed or power of something.
The company has RAMPED its prices UP because of higher oil prices.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ramp up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ramp up is to increase the price, speed, or power of something. It is often used when talking about businesses or industries that need to increase their production, sales, or efficiency.
What are the different verb forms of “ramp up”?
| Root Verb | ramp up |
| Third Person Singular Present | ramps up |
| Present Participle | ramping up |
| Simple Past | ramped up |
| Past Participle | ramped up |
Example
The factory needs to ramp up production to meet the demand.
Example
She ramps up her exercise routine before a big race.
Example
The company is ramping up its marketing efforts to attract more customers.
Example
Last year, they ramped up their sales by 20%.
Example
The production has been ramped up to meet the deadline.
What kind of phrasal verb is “ramp 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
“ramp 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 government ramped up its efforts to combat climate change.
Example
The company ramped up production to meet the high demand.
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
“ramp 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 government ramped up its efforts to combat climate change.
Example
The company ramped up production to meet the high demand.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “ramp up”?
Ramp up production
Increase the amount of goods or products being made.
Example
The factory needs to ramp up production to meet the holiday rush.
Good things to know
Does “ramp up” have an informal or formal tone?
Ramp 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 business and industry settings.
