What are the definitions of “tuck up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Arrange the sheets, duvet or blankets to make someone, usually a child, comfortable in bed.
She TUCKED her children UP in bed and switched the lights off.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tuck up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tuck up is to arrange the sheets, duvet or blankets to make someone, usually a child, comfortable in bed. For example, a parent might tuck up their child in bed before they go to sleep.
What are the different verb forms of “tuck up”?
| Root Verb | tuck up |
| Third Person Singular Present | tucks up |
| Present Participle | tucking up |
| Simple Past | tucked up |
| Past Participle | tucked up |
Example
Every night, I tuck up my daughter in her bed.
Example
She tucks up her children in bed every night.
Example
He is tucking up the baby in the crib.
Example
Last night, he tucked up the kids before bedtime.
Example
The children were tucked up in their beds by their grandmother.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tuck 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
“tuck 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 tucked up her children in bed.
Example
He tucked the baby up in the crib.
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
“tuck 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 tucked up her children in bed.
Example
He tucked the baby up in the crib.
Good things to know
Does “tuck up” have an informal or formal tone?
Tuck up is a neutral phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially in the context of family and home life. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional contexts.
