What are the definitions of “straighten up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stand straight.
She STRAIGHTENED UP when her boss walked in.
- 2Tidy.
I STRAIGHTENED UP the room before they arrived.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “straighten up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb straighten up is to tidy or organize a place, making it neat and clean. It can also mean to stand straight or improve one's posture.
What are the different verb forms of “straighten up”?
| Root Verb | straighten up |
| Third Person Singular Present | straightens up |
| Present Participle | straightening up |
| Simple Past | straightened up |
| Past Participle | straightened up |
Example
Please straighten up your room before your friends come over.
Example
He straightens up his desk every morning before starting work.
Example
She is straightening up the living room before the guests arrive.
Example
Yesterday, they straightened up the garage and found some old toys.
Example
The house was straightened up before the party started.
What kind of phrasal verb is “straighten 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
“straighten 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
She straightened up when her boss walked in.
Example
He straightened up the room before they arrived.
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
“straighten 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 straightened up when her boss walked in.
Example
He straightened up the room before they arrived.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “straighten up”?
Straighten up and fly right
To start behaving properly or responsibly.
Example
After getting in trouble at school, he was told to straighten up and fly right.
Straighten up one's act
To improve one's behavior or performance.
Example
She needs to straighten up her act if she wants to keep her job.
Straighten up the house
To tidy and organize a living space.
Example
Before the guests arrive, we need to straighten up the house.
Good things to know
Does “straighten up” have an informal or formal tone?
Straighten up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, depending on the context.
