What are the definitions of “use up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Finish or consume all of something.
We USED UP all the olive oil.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “use up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb use up is to finish or consume all of something, such as a resource or supply. It means that there is nothing left of that item or resource.
What are the different verb forms of “use up”?
| Root Verb | use up |
| Third Person Singular Present | uses up |
| Present Participle | using up |
| Simple Past | used up |
| Past Participle | used up |
Example
I always use up all the shampoo before buying a new bottle.
Example
She uses up all the milk in the fridge.
Example
He is using up all the printer ink.
Example
Yesterday, they used up all the paper in the office.
Example
The batteries in the remote control were used up and needed to be replaced.
What kind of phrasal verb is “use 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
“use 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 used up all the sugar.
Example
He used all the gas up in the car.
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
“use 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 used up all the sugar.
Example
He used all the gas up in the car.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “use up”?
Use up resources
To consume or deplete natural resources, such as water, oil, or minerals.
Example
We need to be careful not to use up all our planet's resources.
Good things to know
Does “use up” have an informal or formal tone?
Use 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 more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
