What are the definitions of “swallow up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To use or take up a large amount of something, especially money.
But a sizeable portion of the profits were swallowed up in capital gains tax.
- 2To be taken over or absorbed by something larger or more powerful.
The company was swallowed up in a corporate merger.
- 3To completely engulf or consume.
The whole building was swallowed up by flames.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “swallow up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb swallow up is to consume or use a large amount of something, such as money, time, or resources. It can also mean to be taken over or absorbed by something larger or more powerful.
What are the different verb forms of “swallow up”?
| Root Verb | swallow up |
| Third Person Singular Present | swallows up |
| Present Participle | swallowing up |
| Simple Past | swallowed up |
| Past Participle | swallowed up |
Example
The project swallowed up most of our budget.
Example
The new software update swallows up a lot of memory on the computer.
Example
The large company is swallowing up smaller businesses in the area.
Example
The forest fire swallowed up acres of land.
Example
The small town was swallowed up by the expanding city.
What kind of phrasal verb is “swallow 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
“swallow 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
The black hole swallowed up the nearby star.
Example
The flood swallowed up the entire village.
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
“swallow 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
The black hole swallowed up the nearby star.
Example
The flood swallowed up the entire village.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “swallow up”?
Swallow up resources
To use a large amount of resources, such as money, materials, or energy.
Example
The construction project swallowed up most of the city's budget for the year.
Good things to know
Does “swallow up” have an informal or formal tone?
Swallow 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 business meetings or academic discussions.
