What are the definitions of “wait up!”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop ( imperative ).
Wait up! I need to talk to you.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wait up!”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wait up is to stop or pause, usually used as an imperative command. It is often used when someone wants to catch up with another person or needs to talk to them.
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
Wait up! I need to tie my shoelaces.
Example
She always waits up for her friends before entering the building.
Example
He is waiting up for his friend to catch up on the trail.
Example
Yesterday, they waited up for their friend who was running late.
Example
She had waited up for her husband to come home from work.
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
Wait up! I need to talk to you.
Example
She waited up for her friend to arrive.
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
Wait up! I need to talk to you.
Example
She waited up for her friend to arrive.
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 an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written communication.
