What are the definitions of “screw up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Do badly or fail.
David SCREWED UP his oral exam but still managed to scrape a pass.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “screw up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb screw up is to do something badly or fail at something. It is often used to describe a mistake or a situation where someone did not perform well.
What are the different verb forms of “screw up”?
| Root Verb | screw up |
| Third Person Singular Present | screws up |
| Present Participle | screwing up |
| Simple Past | screwed up |
| Past Participle | screwed up |
Example
I always screw up when I try to cook dinner.
Example
She screws up her math homework often.
Example
He is screwing up his chances of getting a promotion.
Example
Yesterday, they screwed up their presentation.
Example
The project was screwed up because of poor planning.
What kind of phrasal verb is “screw 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
“screw 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 screwed up her job interview.
Example
He screwed up the cake by adding too much sugar.
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
“screw 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 screwed up her job interview.
Example
He screwed up the cake by adding too much sugar.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “screw up”?
Good things to know
Does “screw up” have an informal or formal tone?
Screw up is an informal phrasal verb and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'fail,' 'make a mistake,' or 'perform poorly.'
