What are the definitions of “well up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Feel tears starting.
I felt tears WELLING UP when I heard the news.
- 2Feel an emotion strongly.
Anger WELLED UP inside us when we saw what they had done.
- 3Experience an emotion or feeling, start to cry.
Tears WELLED UP when I heard they had died.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “well up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb well up is to feel tears starting to form in your eyes, usually due to strong emotions like sadness or happiness. It can also refer to feeling a strong emotion, such as anger or love.
What are the different verb forms of “well up”?
| Root Verb | well up |
| Third Person Singular Present | wells up |
| Present Participle | welling up |
| Simple Past | welled up |
| Past Participle | welled up |
Example
Tears well up in her eyes when she watches a sad movie.
Example
He wells up every time he hears the national anthem.
Example
She is welling up with pride watching her daughter graduate.
Example
I welled up when I received the heartfelt letter.
Example
His eyes had welled up with tears during the emotional speech.
What kind of phrasal verb is “well 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
“well 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 welled up when she heard the sad news.
Example
His eyes welled up with tears of joy.
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
“well 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 welled up when she heard the sad news.
Example
His eyes welled up with tears of joy.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “well up”?
Good things to know
Does “well up” have an informal or formal tone?
Well 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 speeches or written works.
