What are the definitions of “tidy up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Put things in the correct place in a room.
I TIDIED UP my bedroom because it was a complete mess.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tidy up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tidy up is to put things in their proper place in a room or space, making it neat and organized. This can include cleaning, arranging, and decluttering.
What are the different verb forms of “tidy up”?
| Root Verb | tidy up |
| Third Person Singular Present | tidies up |
| Present Participle | tidying up |
| Simple Past | tidied up |
| Past Participle | tidied up |
Example
Please tidy up your room before your friends come over.
Example
She tidies up her desk every evening before leaving work.
Example
He is tidying up the living room after the party.
Example
Yesterday, they tidied up the garage and found some old toys.
Example
The kitchen had been tidied up before the guests arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tidy 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
“tidy 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 tidied up her bedroom.
Example
He tidied the living room up after the party.
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
“tidy 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 tidied up her bedroom.
Example
He tidied the living room up after the party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tidy up”?
Tidy up one's appearance
To make oneself look neat and presentable, often by fixing clothing, hair, or makeup.
Example
Before the interview, she tidied up her appearance in the restroom mirror.
Tidy up a document or presentation
To make a document or presentation look more polished and professional by fixing formatting, grammar, or other minor issues.
Example
She tidied up the report before submitting it to her boss.
Good things to know
Does “tidy up” have an informal or formal tone?
Tidy up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
