What does the phrasal verb “saw up” mean?

What are the definitions of “saw up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Cut into pieces with a saw.

  We SAWED the plank UP to make the shelves.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb saw up is to cut something into smaller pieces using a saw. This action is often done to make objects like shelves, furniture, or firewood.

What are the different verb forms of “saw up”?

Root Verb	saw up
Third Person Singular Present	saws up
Present Participle	sawing up
Simple Past	sawed up
Past Participle	sawed up

Example

I need to saw up this wood for the fireplace.

Example

He saws up the logs for the campfire.

Example

She is sawing up the old table to make a new one.

Example

Yesterday, they sawed up the tree branches that fell during the storm.

Example

The wooden planks were sawed up and used for the construction project.

What kind of phrasal verb is “saw up”?

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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

“saw 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

He sawed up the wooden plank.

Example

She sawed the branches up for firewood.

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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

“saw 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 sawed up the wooden plank.

Example

She sawed the branches up for firewood.

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

Saw up wood

Cutting wood into smaller pieces, often for use as firewood or for a woodworking project.

Example

He spent the afternoon sawing up wood for the fireplace.

Saw up furniture

Cutting old or damaged furniture into smaller pieces, often for disposal or repurposing.

Example

She sawed up the broken table to make a new bench.

Saw up tree branches

Cutting fallen or unwanted tree branches into smaller pieces, often for disposal or use as firewood.

Example

After the storm, they sawed up the fallen tree branches in their yard.

Good things to know

Does “saw up” have an informal or formal tone?

Saw 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, such as in written instructions or technical documents related to woodworking or construction.

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

Synonyms

• divide
• segment
• dissect
• cut up
• chop up
• slice up
• dismember

Antonyms

• assemble
• join
• combine
• attach
• link
• unite
• connect