What are the definitions of “tool up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Provide equipment.
The company spent a lot on TOOLING the factory UP.
- 2Arm yourself or somebody.
The gangsters got TOOLED UP before they went into the club.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tool up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tool up is to provide equipment or prepare for a task or activity. It can be used to describe a company equipping its factory or an individual preparing for a job or project.
What are the different verb forms of “tool up”?
| Root Verb | tool up |
| Third Person Singular Present | tools up |
| Present Participle | tooling up |
| Simple Past | tooled up |
| Past Participle | tooled up |
Example
The workers need to tool up before starting the construction project.
Example
He tools up his workshop with the latest gadgets.
Example
They are tooling up the factory to increase production.
Example
She tooled up her art studio with new supplies.
Example
The company had tooled up its facilities to meet the growing demand.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tool 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
“tool 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 company tooled up the factory with new machines.
Example
He tooled himself up with protective gear before entering the hazardous area.
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
“tool 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 company tooled up the factory with new machines.
Example
He tooled himself up with protective gear before entering the hazardous area.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tool up”?
Good things to know
Does “tool up” have an informal or formal tone?
Tool 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 professional settings, depending on the specific context.