What are the definitions of “wrap up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cover in paper.
They WRAPPED UP the presents then put a ribbon around them.
- 2Dress warmly.
WRAP UP carefully or you'll catch your death of cold outside in that rain.
- 3Finish.
That WRAPS things UP, so we'll end this meeting.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wrap up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wrap up is to finish or complete something, such as a task, project, or event. It can also mean to summarize or bring something to a conclusion.
What are the different verb forms of “wrap up”?
| Root Verb | wrap up |
| Third Person Singular Present | wraps up |
| Present Participle | wrapping up |
| Simple Past | wrapped up |
| Past Participle | wrapped up |
Example
Let's wrap up this meeting and go home.
Example
She wraps up her work before leaving the office.
Example
They are wrapping up the party preparations.
Example
He wrapped up the project last week.
Example
The conference was wrapped up successfully.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wrap 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
“wrap 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 wrapped up the gift for her friend.
Example
He wrapped up the meeting with a summary of the main points.
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
“wrap 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 wrapped up the gift for her friend.
Example
He wrapped up the meeting with a summary of the main points.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wrap up”?
Good things to know
Does “wrap up” have an informal or formal tone?
Wrap up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or presentations.
