What are the definitions of “whip up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make food quickly.
We got back late and WHIPPED UP dinner.
- 2Mix liquid food quickly to make it thick and creamy.
I WHIPPED UP the egg whites.
- 3Make people feel more strongly about something.
The boss tried to WHIP UP some support for her new policies.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “whip up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb whip up is to quickly prepare or make food. It is often used when someone needs to make a meal or snack in a short amount of time.
What are the different verb forms of “whip up”?
| Root Verb | whip up |
| Third Person Singular Present | whips up |
| Present Participle | whipping up |
| Simple Past | whipped up |
| Past Participle | whipped up |
Example
She can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
Example
He whips up a smoothie every morning.
Example
She is whipping up a quick lunch for the kids.
Example
Last night, they whipped up a tasty dessert.
Example
The chef had whipped up an amazing feast for the guests.
What kind of phrasal verb is “whip 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
“whip 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 whipped up a quick snack.
Example
He whipped up some enthusiasm for the project.
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
“whip 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 whipped up a quick snack.
Example
He whipped up some enthusiasm for the project.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “whip up”?
Good things to know
Does “whip up” have an informal or formal tone?
Whip up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when talking about cooking or preparing food. However, it can also be used in more formal settings, such as in a business context when discussing generating support or enthusiasm for a project or idea.
