What are the definitions of “stuff up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make a mistake, do badly, spoil.
I STUFFED the exam UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stuff up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stuff up is to make a mistake, do something badly, or spoil something. It is often used when someone fails to do something correctly or causes a problem.
What are the different verb forms of “stuff up”?
| Root Verb | stuff up |
| Third Person Singular Present | stuffs up |
| Present Participle | stuffing up |
| Simple Past | stuffed up |
| Past Participle | stuffed up |
Example
I hope I don't stuff up my presentation today.
Example
He always stuffs up his lines during the play.
Example
She is stuffing up the recipe by adding too much salt.
Example
Yesterday, I stuffed up my job interview.
Example
The project was stuffed up because of poor planning.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stuff 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
“stuff 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
I stuffed up the exam.
Example
She stuffed the presentation up.
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
“stuff 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
I stuffed up the exam.
Example
She stuffed the presentation up.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stuff up”?
Stuff up a relationship
To ruin or damage a relationship through mistakes or poor decisions.
Example
He stuffed up his relationship by not being honest with his partner.
Good things to know
Does “stuff up” have an informal or formal tone?
Stuff up is an informal phrasal verb and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'make a mistake,' 'spoil,' or 'do badly.'
