What are the definitions of “toss up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Decide something by throwing a coin and seeing which side lands face up..
We TOSSED UP to see who would kick off.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “toss up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb toss up is to decide something by throwing a coin into the air and seeing which side lands face up. This is often used when people need to make a quick decision between two options.
What are the different verb forms of “toss up”?
| Root Verb | toss up |
| Third Person Singular Present | tosses up |
| Present Participle | tossing up |
| Simple Past | tossed up |
| Past Participle | tossed up |
Example
They couldn't decide, so they tossed up to choose.
Example
She tosses up a coin to decide which movie to watch.
Example
He is tossing up a coin to determine who goes first.
Example
Yesterday, they tossed up to see who would pay for dinner.
Example
The decision was tossed up and the result was heads.
What kind of phrasal verb is “toss 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.)
Intransitive verb
“toss up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
They tossed up to decide who would start the game.
Example
We tossed up to see who would go first.
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
“toss 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
They tossed up to decide who would start the game.
Example
We tossed up to see who would go first.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “toss up”?
Toss-up
A situation where the outcome is uncertain or evenly balanced.
Example
The election is a toss-up between the two candidates.
Good things to know
Does “toss up” have an informal or formal tone?
Toss up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'decide by chance' or 'determine by a coin flip' may be more appropriate.
