What are the definitions of “work up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To generate or develop (a feeling or emotion).
I just can’t work up any enthusiasm for this trip.
- 2To become very excited or emotional.
The kids had worked themselves up to a fever pitch of excitement.
- 3To develop or increase.
We went for a long walk to work up an appetite.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “work up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb work up is to generate or develop a feeling or emotion. It is often used when someone tries to create a certain emotion or feeling within themselves or others.
What are the different verb forms of “work up”?
| Root Verb | work up |
| Third Person Singular Present | works up |
| Present Participle | working up |
| Simple Past | worked up |
| Past Participle | worked up |
Example
She tried to work up the courage to speak in front of the audience.
Example
He works up the energy to go for a run every morning.
Example
She is working up the motivation to start her new project.
Example
He worked up the nerve to ask her out on a date.
Example
She had worked up a sweat after exercising.
What kind of phrasal verb is “work 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
“work 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 worked up the courage to speak in front of the audience.
Example
He worked up the energy to go for a run every morning.
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
“work 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 worked up the courage to speak in front of the audience.
Example
He worked up the energy to go for a run every morning.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “work up”?
Good things to know
Does “work up” have an informal or formal tone?
Work up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
