What are the definitions of “swot up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To study or review intensively.
I swotted up on my Spanish before the holiday.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “swot up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb swot up is to study or review something intensively, usually in preparation for an exam, test, or event. It means to learn as much as possible about a subject in a short period of time.
What are the different verb forms of “swot up”?
| Root Verb | swot up |
| Third Person Singular Present | swots up |
| Present Participle | swotting up |
| Simple Past | swotted up |
| Past Participle | swotted up |
Example
I need to swot up on my history before the exam.
Example
She swots up on her chemistry every night.
Example
He is swotting up on his geography for the quiz.
Example
Yesterday, they swotted up on their math formulas.
Example
She had swotted up on the material before the presentation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “swot 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
“swot 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 swotted up on my Spanish before the holiday.
Example
He swotted up on the company's history before the interview.
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
“swot 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 swotted up on my Spanish before the holiday.
Example
He swotted up on the company's history before the interview.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “swot up”?
Good things to know
Does “swot up” have an informal or formal tone?
Swot up is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or informal writing. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms such as 'study,' 'review,' or 'prepare' instead.
