What are the definitions of “touch up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Improve the appearance of something.
I couldn't be bothered to redecorate, so I just TOUCHED UP the bits that needed painting the most.
- 2Touch someone in a sexual way.
She got angry when he tried to TOUCH her UP in the elevator.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “touch up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb touch up is to improve the appearance of something, usually by making small changes or fixing minor imperfections. For example, it can mean repainting a small area of a wall, fixing a scratch on a car, or editing a photo to make it look better.
What are the different verb forms of “touch up”?
| Root Verb | touch up |
| Third Person Singular Present | touches up |
| Present Participle | touching up |
| Simple Past | touched up |
| Past Participle | touched up |
Example
I need to touch up the paint on the door.
Example
She touches up her makeup before the party.
Example
He is touching up the scratches on his car.
Example
Yesterday, they touched up the paint on the walls.
Example
The photo has been touched up to remove any blemishes.
What kind of phrasal verb is “touch 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
“touch 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 touched up her makeup before the party.
Example
He touched the paint up on the door.
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
“touch 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 touched up her makeup before the party.
Example
He touched the paint up on the door.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “touch up”?
Good things to know
Does “touch up” have an informal or formal tone?
Touch 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, such as in professional or academic discussions.
