What are the definitions of “sex up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Change information to make it more attractive to the reader or listener.
The government denied that they had SEXED UP the report to make the front page.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sex up”?
The phrasal verb sex up is often used to describe the act of making something more attractive or interesting, especially in order to get more attention or make it more appealing. This is usually done by adding exciting details or by presenting the information in a more sensational way.
What are the different verb forms of “sex up”?
| Root Verb | sex up |
| Third Person Singular Present | sexes up |
| Present Participle | sexing up |
| Simple Past | sexed up |
| Past Participle | sexed up |
Example
They decided to sex up the presentation to make it more engaging.
Example
She sexes up her stories to make them more interesting.
Example
He is sexing up the report to make it more appealing to the readers.
Example
They sexed up the marketing campaign to attract more customers.
Example
The article was sexed up to increase its readership.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sex 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
“sex 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
The marketing team sexed up the product descriptions.
Example
The author sexed up the plot to make the book more exciting.
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
“sex 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
The marketing team sexed up the product descriptions.
Example
The author sexed up the plot to make the book more exciting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sex up”?
Good things to know
Does “sex up” have an informal or formal tone?
Sex up is considered informal and is often used in casual conversations or in media and advertising contexts. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. For example, 'The marketing team sexed up the product descriptions to attract more customers.'
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “sex up”?
Synonyms
- embellish
- exaggerate
- sensationalize
- glamorize
- enhance
- spice up
- dress up
- jazz up
Antonyms
- downplay
- understate
- minimize
- underemphasize
- belittle
- simplify
- play down
- de-emphasize
