What are the definitions of “soak up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To absorb or take in liquid or moisture.
Use paper towels to soak up the oil.
- 2To fully enjoy or experience something.
Visit the market to soak up the local atmosphere.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “soak up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb soak up is to absorb or take in liquid or moisture. It can be used to describe a sponge absorbing water, a towel drying a wet surface, or even a person absorbing information.
What are the different verb forms of “soak up”?
| Root Verb | soak up |
| Third Person Singular Present | soaks up |
| Present Participle | soaking up |
| Simple Past | soaked up |
| Past Participle | soaked up |
Example
The sponge can soak up a lot of water.
Example
The towel soaks up the spilled juice quickly.
Example
She is soaking up the sun at the beach.
Example
He soaked up all the knowledge he could during the workshop.
Example
The paper towel soaked up the spilled coffee.
What kind of phrasal verb is “soak 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
“soak 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 sponge soaked up the water.
Example
She soaked up the sun at the beach.
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
“soak 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 sponge soaked up the water.
Example
She soaked up the sun at the beach.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “soak up”?
Soak up the atmosphere
To fully experience and enjoy the ambiance or environment of a place.
Example
During our trip, we visited local markets and cafes to soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Soak up information
To absorb and retain information, often quickly or easily.
Example
She has a great memory and can soak up information like a sponge.
Good things to know
Does “soak up” have an informal or formal tone?
Soak up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
