What are the definitions of “stop up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stay up late.
I STOPPED UP last night watching the film.
- 2Fill or block something.
I STOPPED UP the bottle with a cork.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stop up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stop up is to fill or block something, such as a hole or an opening. This can be done using various materials, like a cork, a cloth, or a piece of paper.
What are the different verb forms of “stop up”?
| Root Verb | stop up |
| Third Person Singular Present | stops up |
| Present Participle | stopping up |
| Simple Past | stopped up |
| Past Participle | stopped up |
Example
She needs to stop up the hole in the wall.
Example
He stops up the sink when he washes the dishes.
Example
They are stopping up the gaps in the fence.
Example
I stopped up the bottle with a cork.
Example
The hole in the roof has been stopped up with a piece of wood.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stop 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
“stop 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
She stopped up the hole with a cloth.
Example
He stopped the sink up with a plug.
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
“stop 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
She stopped up the hole with a cloth.
Example
He stopped the sink up with a plug.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stop up”?
Good things to know
Does “stop up” have an informal or formal tone?
Stop 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.
