What are the definitions of “stir up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make trouble for someone else.
He STIRRED things UP by complaining to senior management about his line manager.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stir up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stir up is to cause trouble or create problems for someone else. It often involves provoking a negative reaction or causing a disturbance.
What are the different verb forms of “stir up”?
| Root Verb | stir up |
| Third Person Singular Present | stirs up |
| Present Participle | stirring up |
| Simple Past | stirred up |
| Past Participle | stirred up |
Example
She likes to stir up trouble at school.
Example
He always stirs up drama among his friends.
Example
They are stirring up controversy with their new policy.
Example
Yesterday, she stirred up an argument between her coworkers.
Example
The issue has been stirred up again after years of silence.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stir 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
“stir 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
He stirred up trouble at the party.
Example
She stirred up a debate among her classmates.
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
“stir 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
He stirred up trouble at the party.
Example
She stirred up a debate among her classmates.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stir up”?
Stir up memories
To cause someone to remember past events or experiences.
Example
Visiting her childhood home stirred up many memories for her.
Good things to know
Does “stir up” have an informal or formal tone?
Stir 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 settings, depending on the specific context.
