What are the definitions of “tune up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Improve the performance of a machine or engine.
He's TUNED his car UP for the race.
- 2Tune a musical instrument before playing
The orchestra TUNED UP their instruments before the concert.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tune up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tune up is to improve the performance of a machine or engine, such as a car or a musical instrument. It often involves making adjustments or repairs to ensure that the machine or instrument works properly.
What are the different verb forms of “tune up”?
| Root Verb | tune up |
| Third Person Singular Present | tunes up |
| Present Participle | tuning up |
| Simple Past | tuned up |
| Past Participle | tuned up |
Example
I need to tune up my guitar before the performance.
Example
She tunes up her car every six months.
Example
He is tuning up the piano for the recital.
Example
Yesterday, they tuned up all the instruments for the concert.
Example
The car has been tuned up and is ready for the road trip.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tune 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
“tune 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 tuned up her violin before the lesson.
Example
He tuned the car up for better performance.
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
“tune 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 tuned up her violin before the lesson.
Example
He tuned the car up for better performance.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tune up”?
Tune up* a musical instrument
Adjust the pitch of a musical instrument to ensure it is in tune and sounds correct.
Example
The guitarist spent a few minutes tuning up before starting the show.
Good things to know
Does “tune up” have an informal or formal tone?
Tune 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 technical or professional discussions.
