What are the definitions of “suck up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to ingratiate yourself.
He is always SUCKING UP to try to get the boss's approval.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “suck up”?
The phrasal verb suck up is commonly used to describe the act of trying to ingratiate oneself or gain favor with someone.
What are the different verb forms of “suck up”?
| Root Verb | *suck up* |
| Third Person Singular Present | *sucks up* |
| Present Participle | *sucking up* |
| Simple Past | *sucked up* |
| Past Participle | *sucked up* |
Example
He is always sucking up to try to get the boss's approval.
Example
She often sucks up to the teachers for better grades.
Example
They're discussing the best ways of sucking up to influential people.
Example
Last week, he sucked up to the manager in hopes of a promotion.
Example
His continuous flattery had been sucking up to everyone's patience.
What kind of phrasal verb is “suck 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
“suck 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 is always sucking up to try to get the boss's approval.
Example
She sucked up to the professor to improve her chances of getting a scholarship.
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
“suck 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 is always sucking up to try to get the boss's approval.
Example
She sucked up to the professor to improve her chances of getting a scholarship.
Good things to know
Does “suck up” have an informal or formal tone?
The phrasal verb suck up is informal in nature and is often used in casual conversations. While it may not be suitable for formal writing, it is commonly employed in everyday speech to describe behaviors aimed at currying favor.
