What are the definitions of “wait up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not go to bed because you are waiting.
I was worried and WAITED UP until they got home safe and sound.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wait up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wait up is to stay awake or not go to bed because you are waiting for someone or something. It is often used when someone is concerned about another person's safety or wants to talk to them when they return.
What are the different verb forms of “wait up”?
| Root Verb | wait up |
| Third Person Singular Present | waits up |
| Present Participle | waiting up |
| Simple Past | waited up |
| Past Participle | waited up |
Example
Please wait up for me; I'll be home soon.
Example
She always waits up for her husband when he works late.
Example
I'll be waiting up for your call tonight.
Example
He waited up all night for his daughter to come home.
Example
They had waited up for the news, but it never came.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wait 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.)
Intransitive verb
“wait up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I waited up until she got home.
Example
He waited up for the results.
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
“wait 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
I waited up until she got home.
Example
He waited up for the results.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wait up”?
Good things to know
Does “wait up” have an informal or formal tone?
Wait up is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
