What are the definitions of “scoop up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To quickly and eagerly take or obtain something.
People arriving early scooped up fantastic bargains.
- 2To pick up or gather something quickly.
Ralph scooped up a handful of dirt.
- 3To lift or gather something or someone quickly and easily.
The child flung her arms around him as he knelt to scoop her up.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scoop up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scoop up is to quickly and easily pick up or gather something or someone. It can be used to describe grabbing an object, collecting items, or even lifting a person.
What are the different verb forms of “scoop up”?
| Root Verb | scoop up |
| Third Person Singular Present | scoops up |
| Present Participle | scooping up |
| Simple Past | scooped up |
| Past Participle | scooped up |
Example
She scooped up the coins that had fallen on the floor.
Example
He scoops up the leaves in the yard every autumn.
Example
The cat is scooping up the toy with its paw.
Example
She scooped up the baby when he started to cry.
Example
The spilled cereal was scooped up and thrown away.
What kind of phrasal verb is “scoop 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
“scoop 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 scooped up the coins from the floor.
Example
He scooped the leaves up in the yard.
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
“scoop 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 scooped up the coins from the floor.
Example
He scooped the leaves up in the yard.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scoop up”?
Scoop up information
To quickly gather or collect information, often from various sources.
Example
The journalist scooped up information from multiple sources for her article.
Good things to know
Does “scoop up” have an informal or formal tone?
Scoop 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.
