What are the definitions of “top up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Refill something that isn't empty yet.
Shall I TOP UP your drink while I'm pouring myself one?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “top up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb top up is to refill something that is not completely empty yet. It is often used when talking about adding more liquid to a container, such as a glass or a bottle, or adding more credit to a prepaid account.
What are the different verb forms of “top up”?
| Root Verb | top up |
| Third Person Singular Present | tops up |
| Present Participle | topping up |
| Simple Past | topped up |
| Past Participle | topped up |
Example
Can you top up my coffee, please?
Example
She tops up her phone credit every month.
Example
He is topping up the gas tank before the trip.
Example
Yesterday, I topped up my water bottle before going for a run.
Example
The wine glasses were topped up throughout the evening.
What kind of phrasal verb is “top 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
“top 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 topped up her coffee.
Example
He topped his phone credit up before the call.
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
“top 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 topped up her coffee.
Example
He topped his phone credit up before the call.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “top up”?
Good things to know
Does “top up” have an informal or formal tone?
Top up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business meetings or professional correspondence, depending on the context.
