What are the definitions of “store up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To accumulate or save for future use.
I had stored up a few questions to ask her about the job.
- 2To accumulate or gather something for future use.
Many animals store up food for the winter.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “store up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb store up is to accumulate or save something for future use. It can be used to describe saving money, collecting items, or gathering information for later.
What are the different verb forms of “store up”?
| Root Verb | store up |
| Third Person Singular Present | stores up |
| Present Participle | storing up |
| Simple Past | stored up |
| Past Participle | stored up |
Example
She always stores up canned food in case of emergencies.
Example
He stores up his vacation days to take a long trip at the end of the year.
Example
They are storing up supplies for the upcoming storm.
Example
Last year, we stored up enough firewood to last the entire winter.
Example
She had stored up a lot of knowledge about the subject over the years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “store 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
“store 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
Squirrels store up nuts for the winter.
Example
She stored up her savings for a down payment on a house.
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
“store 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
Squirrels store up nuts for the winter.
Example
She stored up her savings for a down payment on a house.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “store up”?
Store up knowledge
To accumulate knowledge or information for future use.
Example
Reading widely helps you store up knowledge on various subjects.
Good things to know
Does “store up” have an informal or formal tone?
Store 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, such as academic or professional discussions.
