What are the definitions of “summon up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get the energy or courage to do something.
Andrea couldn't SUMMON UP the enthusiasm to apply for the position.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “summon up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb summon up is to gather or find the energy, courage, or strength to do something. It is often used when someone needs to motivate themselves to complete a task or face a challenge.
What are the different verb forms of “summon up”?
| Root Verb | summon up |
| Third Person Singular Present | summons up |
| Present Participle | summoning up |
| Simple Past | summoned up |
| Past Participle | summoned up |
Example
I need to summon up the courage to ask for a raise.
Example
She summons up the energy to go for a run every morning.
Example
He is summoning up the strength to confront his fears.
Example
Yesterday, they summoned up the motivation to clean the entire house.
Example
The athlete had summoned up the determination to win the race.
What kind of phrasal verb is “summon 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
“summon 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 summoned up the courage to speak in public.
Example
He summoned up the energy to finish the project.
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
“summon 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 summoned up the courage to speak in public.
Example
He summoned up the energy to finish the project.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “summon up”?
Good things to know
Does “summon up” have an informal or formal tone?
Summon 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 in a professional or academic environment.
