What are the definitions of “spark up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Light a cigarette or joint.
They SPARKED UP in a no smoking area.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “spark up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb spark up is to light a cigarette or a joint. It is often used when someone starts smoking, especially in a place where smoking is not allowed.
What are the different verb forms of “spark up”?
| Root Verb | spark up |
| Third Person Singular Present | sparks up |
| Present Participle | sparking up |
| Simple Past | sparked up |
| Past Participle | sparked up |
Example
He decided to spark up a cigarette after dinner.
Example
She sparks up a joint when she's feeling stressed.
Example
He is sparking up a cigarette in the smoking area.
Example
Yesterday, they sparked up a joint at the party.
Example
The cigarette was sparked up and smoked quickly.
What kind of phrasal verb is “spark 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
“spark 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
He sparked up a cigarette.
Example
She sparked a joint up at the party.
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
“spark 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
He sparked up a cigarette.
Example
She sparked a joint up at the party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “spark up”?
Spark up a conversation
Start a conversation with someone, often in a casual or informal setting.
Example
She sparked up a conversation with the stranger sitting next to her on the bus.
Good things to know
Does “spark up” have an informal or formal tone?
Spark up is generally considered informal, especially when referring to lighting a cigarette or a joint. It is more commonly used in casual conversations and may not be appropriate in formal settings. However, when used in the context of starting a conversation or generating interest, it can be used in more formal situations.
