What are the definitions of “train up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Teach someone the specific skills they will need to carry out a job or task.
I have been TRAINING my new assistant UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “train up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb train up is to teach someone the specific skills they will need to carry out a job or task. It often refers to providing guidance, instruction, or mentorship to help someone improve their abilities or learn new skills.
What are the different verb forms of “train up”?
| Root Verb | train up |
| Third Person Singular Present | trains up |
| Present Participle | training up |
| Simple Past | trained up |
| Past Participle | trained up |
Example
We need to train up our new employees before they start working.
Example
She trains up the new interns every summer.
Example
He is training up his replacement before he retires.
Example
They trained up the new staff members last month.
Example
The new team members have been trained up and are ready to start.
What kind of phrasal verb is “train 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
“train 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 trained up her new assistant.
Example
He trained the new employees up quickly.
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
“train 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 trained up her new assistant.
Example
He trained the new employees up quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “train up”?
Good things to know
Does “train up” have an informal or formal tone?
Train 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, such as in the workplace or during training sessions.
