What are the definitions of “trip up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make a mistake.
I TRIPPED UP in the interview when they asked me about what I could offer the company.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “trip up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb trip up is to make a mistake or cause someone to make a mistake. It can be used to describe a situation where someone stumbles or falters, either physically or mentally.
What are the different verb forms of “trip up”?
| Root Verb | trip up |
| Third Person Singular Present | trips up |
| Present Participle | tripping up |
| Simple Past | tripped up |
| Past Participle | tripped up |
Example
I always trip up when I try to speak in front of a large audience.
Example
She trips up when she tries to remember all the details.
Example
He is tripping up on the difficult questions in the test.
Example
Yesterday, they tripped up during their presentation.
Example
The difficult question tripped him up during the interview.
What kind of phrasal verb is “trip 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
“trip 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
The tricky question tripped her up.
Example
He tripped up his opponent with a clever move.
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
“trip 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
The tricky question tripped her up.
Example
He tripped up his opponent with a clever move.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “trip up”?
Good things to know
Does “trip up” have an informal or formal tone?
Trip 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, depending on the context.
