What are the definitions of “square up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Accept responsibility or guilt.
They need to SQUARE UP TO what they did wrong if we are to make any progress.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “square up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb square up to is to accept responsibility or guilt for something. It means facing the consequences of one's actions and being ready to deal with them.
What are the different verb forms of “square up to”?
| Root Verb | square up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | squares up to |
| Present Participle | squaring up to |
| Simple Past | squared up to |
| Past Participle | squared up to |
Example
He needs to square up to his mistakes and learn from them.
Example
She squares up to her responsibilities as a team leader.
Example
They are squaring up to the challenges of their new project.
Example
He squared up to his fears and overcame them.
Example
She had squared up to her past and moved on.
What kind of phrasal verb is “square up to”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“square up to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He squared up to his mistakes.
Example
She squared up to her responsibilities.
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
“square up to” 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 squared up to his mistakes.
Example
She squared up to her responsibilities.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “square up to”?
Good things to know
Does “square up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Square up to 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.
