What are the definitions of “throw up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Vomit.
The prawns she ate at lunch made her THROW UP and she had to go home early.
- 2Produce problems, results, ideas, etc.
The talks THREW UP some interesting possibilities.
- 3Leave a job or position suddenly.
She THREW UP her job to go travelling.
- 4Create clouds of dust or splash water into the air.
The road was bumpy and the car in front was THROWING UP so much dust that we could hardly see where we were going.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “throw up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb throw up is to vomit or expel the contents of one's stomach through the mouth. It is often used when someone feels sick or has eaten something that does not agree with their stomach.
What are the different verb forms of “throw up”?
| Root Verb | throw up |
| Third Person Singular Present | throws up |
| Present Participle | throwing up |
| Simple Past | threw up |
| Past Participle | thrown up |
Example
I think I ate something bad; I might throw up.
Example
She throws up whenever she gets motion sickness.
Example
He is throwing up because he ate too much candy.
Example
He threw up after riding the roller coaster.
Example
She had thrown up several times during the night.
What kind of phrasal verb is “throw 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.)
Intransitive verb
“throw up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The baby threw up after eating.
Example
I threw up when I had the flu.
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
“throw 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 baby threw up after eating.
Example
I threw up when I had the flu.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “throw up”?
Good things to know
Does “throw up” have an informal or formal tone?
Throw up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'vomit' or 'regurgitate'.
