What are the definitions of “talk up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something appear more important significant than it really is. or
The government are trying to TALK UP the effect of their policies.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “talk up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb talk up is to make something appear more important or significant than it really is. It is often used when someone wants to promote or emphasize the positive aspects of something, such as a product, idea, or person.
What are the different verb forms of “talk up”?
| Root Verb | talk up |
| Third Person Singular Present | talks up |
| Present Participle | talking up |
| Simple Past | talked up |
| Past Participle | talked up |
Example
The salesperson tried to talk up the benefits of the new car.
Example
She always talks up her friends when introducing them to new people.
Example
He is talking up the company's achievements during the presentation.
Example
They talked up the event to attract more attendees.
Example
The product was talked up by the marketing team before its launch.
What kind of phrasal verb is “talk 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
“talk 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 politician talked up his accomplishments during the campaign.
Example
The manager talked up the team's performance to boost morale.
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
“talk 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 politician talked up his accomplishments during the campaign.
Example
The manager talked up the team's performance to boost morale.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “talk up”?
Talk up a storm
To talk a lot, often in an enthusiastic or animated manner.
Example
She can talk up a storm when she's passionate about a topic.
Talk up one's game
To boast or brag about one's abilities or accomplishments, often in an exaggerated manner.
Example
He always talks up his game, but he's not as good as he claims to be.
Good things to know
Does “talk up” have an informal or formal tone?
Talk up is generally considered to be informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'emphasize,' 'promote,' or 'highlight' may be more appropriate.
