What are the definitions of “ratchet up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Increase.
The media are trying to RATCHET UP the pressure on the president.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ratchet up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ratchet up is to increase something, usually gradually or in stages. It is often used to describe increasing pressure, tension, or intensity in a situation.
What are the different verb forms of “ratchet up”?
| Root Verb | ratchet up |
| Third Person Singular Present | ratchets up |
| Present Participle | ratcheting up |
| Simple Past | ratcheted up |
| Past Participle | ratcheted up |
Example
The company plans to ratchet up production to meet the growing demand.
Example
She ratchets up the volume when her favorite song comes on.
Example
The government is ratcheting up efforts to combat climate change.
Example
They ratcheted up the security measures after the incident.
Example
The tension between the two countries has been ratcheted up in recent years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “ratchet 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
“ratchet 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 coach ratcheted up the intensity of the training sessions.
Example
The company ratcheted up its marketing efforts to attract more customers.
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
“ratchet 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 coach ratcheted up the intensity of the training sessions.
Example
The company ratcheted up its marketing efforts to attract more customers.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “ratchet up”?
Good things to know
Does “ratchet up” have an informal or formal tone?
Ratchet up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, news articles, and professional settings.
