What does the phrasal verb “shut up” mean?

What are the definitions of “shut up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Stop talking or making noise.

  He told us to SHUT UP and start working.

• 2. Close for a period of time.

  They SHUT the shop UP for a fortnight while they were on holiday.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “shut up”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb shut up is to stop talking or making noise. It is often used as a command or request for someone to be quiet. For example, a teacher might tell their students to shut up if they are being too noisy during class.

What are the different verb forms of “shut up”?

Root Verb	shut up
Third Person Singular Present	shuts up
Present Participle	shutting up
Simple Past	shut up
Past Participle	shut up

Example

Please shut up and let me concentrate.

Example

He never shuts up when he starts talking about his favorite topic.

Example

She is shutting up her suitcase before leaving for the airport.

Example

They shut up when the teacher entered the room.

Example

The store was shut up for the night.

What kind of phrasal verb is “shut 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

“shut 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

She told him to shut up during the movie.

Example

The students shut up when the principal entered the room.

📝

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

“shut 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 told him to shut up during the movie.

Example

The students shut up when the principal entered the room.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “shut up”?

Shut someone up

Make someone stop talking or making noise, often by force or intimidation.

Example

He shut her up by threatening to reveal her secret.

Shut up shop

Close a business or stop working for the day.

Example

It's getting late, so we should shut up shop and go home.

Shut up like a clam

Refuse to talk or share information, especially when being secretive or protective.

Example

When I asked about her past, she shut up like a clam and changed the subject.

Good things to know

Does “shut up” have an informal or formal tone?

Shut up is considered informal and can be perceived as rude or impolite, especially when used as a command. It is more appropriate for casual conversations among friends or family members. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'be quiet' or 'please stop talking.'

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “shut up”?

Synonyms

• silence
• be quiet
• hush
• stop talking
• hold your tongue
• keep quiet
• pipe down
• button it

Antonyms

• chat
• converse
• communicate
• speak up
• talk
• discuss
• express