What are the definitions of “stiffen up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become rigid.
My back STIFFENS UP in cold weather.
- 2Make something rigid.
They used starch to STIFFEN the collars UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stiffen up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stiffen up is to become rigid or firm. It can refer to a part of the body, such as a muscle or joint, or an object that becomes less flexible or more solid.
What are the different verb forms of “stiffen up”?
| Root Verb | stiffen up |
| Third Person Singular Present | stiffens up |
| Present Participle | stiffening up |
| Simple Past | stiffened up |
| Past Participle | stiffened up |
Example
When it gets cold, my muscles stiffen up.
Example
Her knee stiffens up after sitting for a long time.
Example
The paint is stiffening up as it dries.
Example
The dough stiffened up after being refrigerated.
Example
The shirt collar was stiffened up with starch.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stiffen 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
“stiffen 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
My back stiffens up in cold weather.
Example
The glue stiffened up as it dried.
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
“stiffen 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
My back stiffens up in cold weather.
Example
The glue stiffened up as it dried.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stiffen up”?
Good things to know
Does “stiffen up” have an informal or formal tone?
Stiffen up 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 writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
