What are the definitions of “slice up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cut completely into pieces or slices.
I SLICED the cake UP and handed it round to the people there.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “slice up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb slice up is to cut something completely into pieces or slices, usually using a knife or other sharp tool. This can be used when cutting food, such as fruits, vegetables, or cakes.
What are the different verb forms of “slice up”?
| Root Verb | slice up |
| Third Person Singular Present | slices up |
| Present Participle | slicing up |
| Simple Past | sliced up |
| Past Participle | sliced up |
Example
Please slice up the watermelon for the party.
Example
She slices up the apples for her fruit salad.
Example
He is slicing up the bread for the sandwiches.
Example
Yesterday, they sliced up the pizza for everyone to share.
Example
The vegetables were sliced up and ready for cooking.
What kind of phrasal verb is “slice 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
“slice 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 sliced up the cake for the guests.
Example
He sliced the bread up for the sandwiches.
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
“slice 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 sliced up the cake for the guests.
Example
He sliced the bread up for the sandwiches.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “slice up”?
Good things to know
Does “slice up” have an informal or formal tone?
Slice up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing food preparation. In more formal settings, it can also be used to describe the process of cutting or dividing something into smaller pieces.
