What are the definitions of “word up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give someone information, advice.
The solicitor WORDED her UP client before the police interview, so they go very little out of him.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “word up”?
The phrasal verb word up means to give someone information or advice, usually to prepare them for a situation or event. It is often used when someone is sharing important details or guidance with another person.
What are the different verb forms of “word up”?
| Root Verb | word up |
| Third Person Singular Present | words up |
| Present Participle | wording up |
| Simple Past | worded up |
| Past Participle | worded up |
Example
Before the meeting, my colleague worded me up on the key points to discuss.
Example
She always words up her friends before they go to a job interview.
Example
He is wording up his team on the new project requirements.
Example
Yesterday, the coach worded up the players about the game strategy.
Example
The students were worded up on the exam topics by their teacher.
What kind of phrasal verb is “word 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
“word 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
The lawyer worded up her client before the trial.
Example
He worded his friend up about the new job opportunity.
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
“word 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
The lawyer worded up her client before the trial.
Example
He worded his friend up about the new job opportunity.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “word up”?
Word up* as a slang expression
In some contexts, *word up* can be used as a slang expression to show agreement or approval.
Example
Person A: 'That concert was amazing!' Person B: 'Word up, it was the best one I've been to in a long time.
Good things to know
Does “word up” have an informal or formal tone?
Word up is considered informal and is mostly used in casual conversations or informal settings. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional situations. In more formal contexts, alternative phrases such as 'inform,' 'advise,' or 'brief' can be used.
