What are the definitions of “tie up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Tie or fasten something securely.
They TIED UP the hostages so that they couldn't escape.
- 2Stop someone doing something.
Work has TIED me UP all week.
- 3Fasten.
I TIED UP my shoelaces.
- 4Block a road, etc.
The convoy TIED UP the road for an hour.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tie up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tie up is to tie or fasten something securely. It can be used to describe tying a knot, fastening a rope, or securing an object. For example, it can mean tying a boat to a dock, fastening a package, or securing a person's hands or feet.
What are the different verb forms of “tie up”?
| Root Verb | tie up |
| Third Person Singular Present | ties up |
| Present Participle | tying up |
| Simple Past | tied up |
| Past Participle | tied up |
Example
Please tie up the package before sending it.
Example
She ties up her hair when she exercises.
Example
He is tying up the boat to the dock.
Example
Yesterday, they tied up all the loose ends before the event.
Example
The cables were tied up neatly behind the computer.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tie 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
“tie 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 tied up her hair with a ribbon.
Example
He tied the boat up to the dock.
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
“tie 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 tied up her hair with a ribbon.
Example
He tied the boat up to the dock.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tie up”?
Good things to know
Does “tie up” have an informal or formal tone?
Tie up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context. For instance, when discussing business matters, such as tying up loose ends, it can have a more formal tone.
