What are the definitions of “tighten up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something more secure or function better.
They're TIGHTENING UP security for the president's visit.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tighten up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tighten up is to make something more secure or function better. It can be used to describe improving security measures, making rules stricter, or enhancing the performance of a system or process.
What are the different verb forms of “tighten up”?
| Root Verb | tighten up |
| Third Person Singular Present | tightens up |
| Present Participle | tightening up |
| Simple Past | tightened up |
| Past Participle | tightened up |
Example
The company needs to tighten up its hiring process.
Example
She tightens up her shoelaces before running.
Example
The government is tightening up regulations on pollution.
Example
They tightened up the security at the event.
Example
The rules have been tightened up to prevent cheating.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tighten 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
“tighten 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 school tightened up its dress code.
Example
He tightened up the bolts on the bicycle.
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
“tighten 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 school tightened up its dress code.
Example
He tightened up the bolts on the bicycle.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tighten up”?
Good things to know
Does “tighten up” have an informal or formal tone?
Tighten 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, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
