What are the definitions of “sew up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To complete or finalize something.
As part of their winding-up operation they're sending two detectives to sew up this end of things.
- 2To close or repair something using stitches.
Mahoney said: "The German riggers aboard the old Zeppelins had to go up top regularly in flight to sew up tears in the canvas."
- 3To secure or guarantee something, especially a victory or success.
They seem to have the contest all sewn up.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sew up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sew up is to complete or finalize something. It is often used when talking about finishing a project, securing a deal, or wrapping up a situation.
What are the different verb forms of “sew up”?
| Root Verb | sew up |
| Third Person Singular Present | sews up |
| Present Participle | sewing up |
| Simple Past | sewed up |
| Past Participle | sewn up |
Example
We need to sew up the details of the contract before the meeting.
Example
She sews up the loose ends of her projects before the deadline.
Example
He is sewing up the final arrangements for the event.
Example
They sewed up the negotiations and signed the agreement.
Example
The deal was sewn up after weeks of discussions.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sew 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
“sew 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 sewed up the hole in her dress.
Example
He sewed the deal up with a handshake.
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
“sew 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 sewed up the hole in her dress.
Example
He sewed the deal up with a handshake.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sew up”?
Good things to know
Does “sew up” have an informal or formal tone?
Sew up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business negotiations or medical procedures.
