What are the definitions of “sweep up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To clean or tidy up by using a broom or a vacuum cleaner.
I’m going to sweep up.
- 2To clean or tidy up by using a broom or brush.
Would you sweep up the broken glass?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sweep up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sweep up is to clean or tidy up a place by using a broom, brush, or vacuum cleaner. It usually refers to removing dirt, dust, or debris from a surface, such as a floor.
What are the different verb forms of “sweep up”?
| Root Verb | sweep up |
| Third Person Singular Present | sweeps up |
| Present Participle | sweeping up |
| Simple Past | swept up |
| Past Participle | swept up |
Example
Please sweep up the kitchen floor after dinner.
Example
She sweeps up the living room every day.
Example
He is sweeping up the leaves in the backyard.
Example
Yesterday, they swept up all the dust and dirt from the garage.
Example
The mess has been swept up and the room is clean now.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sweep 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
“sweep 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 swept up the broken glass carefully.
Example
He swept the leaves up into a pile.
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
“sweep 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 swept up the broken glass carefully.
Example
He swept the leaves up into a pile.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sweep up”?
Sweep up the competition
To win or dominate a competition or contest.
Example
The team swept up the competition, winning every game in the tournament.
Good things to know
Does “sweep up” have an informal or formal tone?
Sweep up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in written instructions or workplace guidelines.
