What are the definitions of “run up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move quickly to where someone is.
He RAN UP next to me and started shouting.
- 2Hoist, raise a flag.
They RAN UP the Union Jack.
- 3Do or make something very quickly.
He RAN UP a few examples for them to look at.
- 4Spend a lot of money on credit.
He RAN UP a lot of bills at the hotel.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run up is to do or make something very quickly. For example, it can mean creating a list, preparing a meal, or completing a task in a short amount of time.
What are the different verb forms of “run up”?
| Root Verb | run up |
| Third Person Singular Present | runs up |
| Present Participle | running up |
| Simple Past | ran up |
| Past Participle | run up |
Example
She ran up a list of potential candidates for the job.
Example
He runs up the stairs to catch the bus.
Example
She is running up a new dress for the party.
Example
They ran up a huge bill during their vacation.
Example
The flag was run up the flagpole during the ceremony.
What kind of phrasal verb is “run 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
“run 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
She ran up a list of potential candidates.
Example
He ran up the stairs to catch the bus.
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
“run 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
She ran up a list of potential candidates.
Example
He ran up the stairs to catch the bus.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run up”?
Good things to know
Does “run up” have an informal or formal tone?
Run up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
