What are the definitions of “soften up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Weaken.
defenses; I think we can move in tomorrow.
- 2Do things to please someone in the hope that they will do what you want.
I paid for everything to SOFTEN them UP before they made the decision.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “soften up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb soften up is to weaken something or someone, often in preparation for an action or event. It can be used to describe the process of making something or someone less resistant or more receptive to a particular idea or action.
What are the different verb forms of “soften up”?
| Root Verb | soften up |
| Third Person Singular Present | softens up |
| Present Participle | softening up |
| Simple Past | softened up |
| Past Participle | softened up |
Example
The negotiator tried to soften up the opposing party before the meeting.
Example
She softens up the butter before baking cookies.
Example
He is softening up the clay before molding it.
Example
They softened up the enemy's defenses before the attack.
Example
The opposition had been softened up before the final negotiation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “soften 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
“soften 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 coach softened up the team's defense.
Example
She softened up her boss before asking for a raise.
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
“soften 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 coach softened up the team's defense.
Example
She softened up her boss before asking for a raise.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “soften up”?
Good things to know
Does “soften up” have an informal or formal tone?
Soften up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context. For example, it can be used in a business negotiation or a military strategy discussion.
