What are the definitions of “spy on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Secretly observe or monitor someone or something.
Managers feel it is their duty to spy on the workforce.
- 2Secretly observe or gather information about someone or something.
They were accused of spying on Soviet military installations.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “spy on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb spy on is to secretly watch or observe someone or something, often to gather information or monitor their actions. This can be done for various reasons, such as for personal, professional, or security purposes.
What are the different verb forms of “spy on”?
| Root Verb | spy on |
| Third Person Singular Present | spies on |
| Present Participle | spying on |
| Simple Past | spied on |
| Past Participle | spied on |
Example
I think my neighbor is spying on me.
Example
He spies on his coworkers to see if they are working hard.
Example
She is spying on her sister to find out what she wants for her birthday.
Example
The detective spied on the suspect for several days.
Example
The government has spied on its citizens for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “spy on”?
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
“spy on” 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 private investigator spied on the businessman.
Example
The security agency spied on the foreign diplomat.
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
“spy on” 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 private investigator spied on the businessman.
Example
The security agency spied on the foreign diplomat.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “spy on”?
Spy on someone's activities
Secretly observe or monitor someone's actions or behavior.
Example
Parents sometimes spy on their children's activities to ensure their safety.
Secretly listen to or observe a conversation between two or more people.
Example
He spied on the conversation between the two executives to gain insider information.
Good things to know
Does “spy on” have an informal or formal tone?
Spy on 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 news reports, legal documents, or professional discussions.
