What are the definitions of “trade up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Buy larger or more expensive items.
British wine drinkers have TRADED UP over the last few years from cheap plonk to expensive wines.
- 2Leave your wife or husband and marry someone better looking, richer, etc.
She supported him for years while he was struggling, but when he hit the big time he left her and TRADED UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “trade up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb trade up is to buy something larger or more expensive, usually as an upgrade or improvement. For example, it can mean buying a bigger house, a more expensive car, or a better quality product.
What are the different verb forms of “trade up”?
| Root Verb | trade up |
| Third Person Singular Present | trades up |
| Present Participle | trading up |
| Simple Past | traded up |
| Past Participle | traded up |
Example
I want to trade up to a bigger apartment.
Example
She trades up her phone every year for the latest model.
Example
They are trading up to a more luxurious car.
Example
He traded up to a more expensive wine.
Example
The family traded up to a larger house when they had more children.
What kind of phrasal verb is “trade 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
“trade 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
She traded up when she bought a new car.
Example
They traded up to a bigger house.
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
“trade 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 traded up when she bought a new car.
Example
They traded up to a bigger house.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “trade up”?
Trade up in a relationship
Leave your partner for someone who is better looking, richer, or has a higher social status.
Example
After he became successful, he traded up and left his wife for a younger woman.
Good things to know
Does “trade up” have an informal or formal tone?
Trade up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in business and financial discussions.
