What are the definitions of “shake up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Upset or shock.
The news of her death really SHOOK me UP.
- 2Make major changes to improve or save a company, organisation, etc.
The management are SHAKING things UP and getting rid of a lot of workers.
- 3Mix things in a container by shaking hard.
Pour the ingredients into a container and SHAKE them UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “shake up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb shake up is to make significant changes to improve or save a company, organization, or situation. It often involves restructuring, replacing people, or introducing new policies.
What are the different verb forms of “shake up”?
| Root Verb | shake up |
| Third Person Singular Present | shakes up |
| Present Participle | shaking up |
| Simple Past | shook up |
| Past Participle | shaken up |
Example
The new CEO plans to shake up the company to increase profits.
Example
She shakes up her morning routine to stay motivated.
Example
He is shaking up the team by bringing in new players.
Example
The announcement shook up the entire industry.
Example
The company was shaken up after the scandal.
What kind of phrasal verb is “shake 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
“shake 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 news shook her up.
Example
He shook up the organization by introducing new policies.
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
“shake 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 news shook her up.
Example
He shook up the organization by introducing new policies.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “shake up”?
Good things to know
Does “shake up” have an informal or formal tone?
Shake 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 professional settings, such as discussing changes in a company or industry.
