What are the definitions of “tee up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Place a golf ball on a short plastic or wooden stick before hitting it at the start of a hole..
She TEED UP two strokes ahead at the last hole.
- 2Make preparations before starting or launching something.
They are TEEING UP for the conference tomorrow.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tee up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tee up is to place a golf ball on a short plastic or wooden stick before hitting it at the start of a hole. It is often used in the context of golf games. Another meaning of tee up is to make preparations before starting or launching something, such as an event or project.
What are the different verb forms of “tee up”?
| Root Verb | tee up |
| Third Person Singular Present | tees up |
| Present Participle | teeing up |
| Simple Past | teed up |
| Past Participle | teed up |
Example
Before starting the game, he needs to tee up the golf ball.
Example
She tees up the ball before taking her swing.
Example
They are teeing up for the big golf tournament this weekend.
Example
He teed up the ball and hit it down the fairway.
Example
The golf balls were teed up and ready for the players.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tee 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
“tee 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 teed up the golf ball.
Example
They teed up the presentation for the meeting.
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
“tee 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 teed up the golf ball.
Example
They teed up the presentation for the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tee up”?
Tee up an opportunity
Create or prepare an opportunity for someone or something.
Example
The marketing campaign teed up an opportunity for the company to expand its customer base.
Good things to know
Does “tee up” have an informal or formal tone?
Tee up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or in the context of sports, particularly golf. In a formal setting, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'prepare,' 'set up,' or 'arrange' depending on the context.
