What are the definitions of “walk up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Go to someone.
A man WALKED UP and asked me the time.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “walk up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb walk up is to approach someone or something by walking. It is often used to describe a person moving towards another person or an object.
What are the different verb forms of “walk up”?
| Root Verb | walk up |
| Third Person Singular Present | walks up |
| Present Participle | walking up |
| Simple Past | walked up |
| Past Participle | walked up |
Example
She walked up to the counter to place her order.
Example
He walks up to the teacher to ask a question.
Example
The dog is walking up to the stranger.
Example
Yesterday, they walked up to the stage to receive their awards.
Example
The guests had walked up to the entrance when the doors opened.
What kind of phrasal verb is “walk 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
“walk 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
She walked up to the counter.
Example
He walked up to the teacher.
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
“walk 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 walked up to the counter.
Example
He walked up to the teacher.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “walk up”?
Walk-up apartment
An apartment building without an elevator, requiring residents to use the stairs.
Example
They live in a walk-up apartment on the third floor.
Good things to know
Does “walk up” have an informal or formal tone?
Walk 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 situations, depending on the specific context.
