What are the definitions of “sell up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Sell a house or business to move somewhere or do something different.
We want to SELL UP and move to the country.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sell up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sell up is to sell a house or business in order to move somewhere else or do something different. It often implies a significant change in one's life or circumstances.
What are the different verb forms of “sell up”?
| Root Verb | sell up |
| Third Person Singular Present | sells up |
| Present Participle | selling up |
| Simple Past | sold up |
| Past Participle | sold up |
Example
They plan to sell up their house and move to a smaller apartment.
Example
She sells up her business to start a new venture.
Example
They are selling up their property to travel the world.
Example
He sold up his apartment and moved to the countryside.
Example
They had sold up their old house before moving to a new city.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sell 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
“sell 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
After retiring, they decided to sell up and move to a warmer climate.
Example
She sold up her business to focus on her family.
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
“sell 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
After retiring, they decided to sell up and move to a warmer climate.
Example
She sold up her business to focus on her family.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sell up”?
Good things to know
Does “sell up” have an informal or formal tone?
Sell up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal discussions, such as business transactions or legal matters.
