What are the definitions of “rig up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To create or assemble something quickly and with whatever materials are available.
They rigged up a shelter using a sheet and some branches.
- 2To set up or assemble quickly and often temporarily.
Would you have them rig up lifelines between here and the superstructure?
- 3To create or assemble something quickly and often in a makeshift way.
`Arzosah, we'll have to rig up some sort of riding harness with ropes.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rig up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rig up is to create or assemble something quickly and with whatever materials are available. It often refers to a temporary or makeshift solution. For example, it can mean building a shelter with limited resources or setting up a temporary structure.
What are the different verb forms of “rig up”?
| Root Verb | rig up |
| Third Person Singular Present | rigs up |
| Present Participle | rigging up |
| Simple Past | rigged up |
| Past Participle | rigged up |
Example
They rigged up a temporary shelter using a tarp and some branches.
Example
She rigs up a makeshift clothesline using a rope and two trees.
Example
He is rigging up a temporary fence to keep the animals out.
Example
Yesterday, they rigged up a stage for the outdoor concert.
Example
The emergency shelter was rigged up with blankets and pillows.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rig 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
“rig 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
They rigged up a shelter using a sheet and some branches.
Example
He rigged up a temporary fence to keep the animals out.
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
“rig 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
They rigged up a shelter using a sheet and some branches.
Example
He rigged up a temporary fence to keep the animals out.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rig up”?
Good things to know
Does “rig up” have an informal or formal tone?
Rig up is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'assemble,' 'construct,' or 'set up' may be more appropriate.
