What are the definitions of “save up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1For money for a particular purpose.
He's SAVING UP to buy a car.
- 2Collect or store something for future use.
I'm SAVING UP the receipts to claim on them all at once.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “save up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb save up is to set aside money for a specific purpose or goal, such as buying a car or going on vacation. It means to accumulate money over time by saving a portion of one's income.
What are the different verb forms of “save up”?
| Root Verb | save up |
| Third Person Singular Present | saves up |
| Present Participle | saving up |
| Simple Past | saved up |
| Past Participle | saved up |
Example
She wants to save up for a new laptop.
Example
He saves up every month to buy a new phone.
Example
They are saving up for their dream vacation.
Example
Last year, I saved up enough money to buy a new car.
Example
She had saved up for years to afford her dream wedding.
What kind of phrasal verb is “save 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.)
Intransitive verb
“save up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He is saving up for a new bicycle.
Example
She saved up for her college tuition.
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
“save 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
He is saving up for a new bicycle.
Example
She saved up for her college tuition.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “save up”?
Good things to know
Does “save up” have an informal or formal tone?
Save 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 more formal settings, such as financial discussions or planning.
