What are the definitions of “speed up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1To increase the speed of something.
Even modern, quiet fishing trawlers can make this kind of noise if they speed up suddenly and inadvertently hassle the haddock.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb speed up is to increase the speed or pace of something. It can be used to describe a person, a vehicle, or a process that becomes faster.

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

Root Verb	speed up
Third Person Singular Present	speeds up
Present Participle	speeding up
Simple Past	sped up
Past Participle	sped up

Example

We need to speed up our work to meet the deadline.

Example

The car speeds up when it goes downhill.

Example

The train is speeding up as it leaves the station.

Example

She sped up her pace to catch up with her friends.

Example

The process was sped up to save time.

What kind of phrasal verb is “speed 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

“speed 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 driver sped up the car.

Example

The manager sped the project up to meet the deadline.

📝

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

“speed 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 driver sped up the car.

Example

The manager sped the project up to meet the deadline.

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

Speed up a process

To make a process or task happen more quickly.

Example

We need to speed up the approval process to get the project started.

Speed up a video

To increase the playback speed of a video.

Example

I sped up the video to watch it in less time.

Speed up a computer

To make a computer or device run faster.

Example

Adding more RAM can speed up your computer.

Good things to know

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

Speed up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.

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

Synonyms

Antonyms

decelerate
delay
postpone
slow down
reduce speed
retard