What are the definitions of “squeeze up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get more people into a space than normal or comfortable.
Four of us had to SQUEEZE UP in the back of the car.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “squeeze up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb squeeze up is to fit more people or things into a space than is normal or comfortable. It often implies that the space is tight or crowded.
What are the different verb forms of “squeeze up”?
| Root Verb | squeeze up |
| Third Person Singular Present | squeezes up |
| Present Participle | squeezing up |
| Simple Past | squeezed up |
| Past Participle | squeezed up |
Example
We had to squeeze up to make room for everyone on the couch.
Example
She squeezes up her clothes in the suitcase to fit everything in.
Example
They are squeezing up in the elevator to let more people in.
Example
We squeezed up in the small room during the party.
Example
The passengers had squeezed up in the bus during rush hour.
What kind of phrasal verb is “squeeze 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.)
Intransitive verb
“squeeze up” 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
We all had to squeeze up to fit in the car.
Example
The children squeezed up on the bench to make room for their friend.
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
“squeeze 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
We all had to squeeze up to fit in the car.
Example
The children squeezed up on the bench to make room for their friend.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “squeeze up”?
Good things to know
Does “squeeze up” have an informal or formal tone?
Squeeze up is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'make room' or 'accommodate more people' may be more appropriate.
