What does the phrasal verb “rub up on” mean?

What are the definitions of “rub up on”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Revise.

  I need to RUB UP ON my Portuguese before I go to Brazil.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rub up on”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rub up on is to revise or refresh one's knowledge or skills in a particular subject or area. For example, it can mean reviewing a language, studying for an exam, or practicing a skill.

What are the different verb forms of “rub up on”?

Root Verb	rub up on
Third Person Singular Present	rubs up on
Present Participle	rubbing up on
Simple Past	rubbed up on
Past Participle	rubbed up on

Example

I need to rub up on my math skills before the test.

Example

She rubs up on her French vocabulary every day.

Example

He is rubbing up on his programming skills for the job interview.

Example

Yesterday, they rubbed up on their history knowledge for the quiz.

Example

She had rubbed up on her Spanish before traveling to Spain.

What kind of phrasal verb is “rub up on”?

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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

“rub up on” 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 need to rub up on my Portuguese.

Example

She rubbed up on her chemistry before the exam.

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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

“rub up on” 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 need to rub up on my Portuguese.

Example

She rubbed up on her chemistry before the exam.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rub up on”?

Rub up on someone

To physically touch or brush against someone, often unintentionally or accidentally.

Example

In the crowded bus, people kept rubbing up on each other.

Rub up the wrong way

To irritate or annoy someone, often by doing something that they dislike or disapprove of.

Example

His constant complaining really rubs me up the wrong way.

Rub up against

To physically touch or brush against something, often unintentionally or accidentally.

Example

The cat rubbed up against my leg, seeking attention.

Good things to know

Does “rub up on” have an informal or formal tone?

Rub up on is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms such as 'review,' 'revise,' or 'refresh.'

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “rub up on”?

Synonyms

• review
• revise
• refresh
• polish
• relearn
• revisit
• study
• brush up

Antonyms

• forget
• neglect
• ignore
• overlook
• abandon
• disregard