What are the definitions of “settle up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pay a debt.
Let's SETTLE UP for the dinner the other night.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “settle up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb settle up is to pay a debt or to clear an outstanding balance. It is often used when talking about paying for a meal, a service, or any other situation where money is owed.
What are the different verb forms of “settle up”?
| Root Verb | settle up |
| Third Person Singular Present | settles up |
| Present Participle | settling up |
| Simple Past | settled up |
| Past Participle | settled up |
Example
We need to settle up before leaving the restaurant.
Example
She always settles up her bills on time.
Example
He is settling up with the waiter after the meal.
Example
They settled up with the contractor after the work was completed.
Example
The debt has been settled up and we can move on.
What kind of phrasal verb is “settle 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
“settle 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
Let's settle up before we leave.
Example
He settled up with the landlord.
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
“settle 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
Let's settle up before we leave.
Example
He settled up with the landlord.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “settle up”?
Good things to know
Does “settle up” have an informal or formal tone?
Settle up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business transactions or legal matters.
