What are the definitions of “roll up!”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1An imperative used to attract people to a public event.
Roll up! Come and see the circus tonight.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “roll up!”?
The most common meaning of the phrase Roll up! is an imperative used to attract people to a public event, such as a circus, fair, or street performance. It is often used by performers or vendors to get the attention of passersby and invite them to join the event.
What are the different verb forms of “roll up!”?
Root Verb | Roll up! |
Third Person Singular Present | Rolls up |
Present Participle | Rolling up |
Simple Past | Rolled up |
Past Participle | Rolled up |
Example
Roll up! Step right up and try your luck at our game booth!
Example
The performer rolls up the crowd with his energetic call.
Example
The vendor is rolling up customers with his enticing offers.
Example
The circus barker rolled up a large audience for the show last night.
Example
The crowd had been rolled up by the time the performance began.
What kind of phrasal verb is “roll 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
“roll 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
Roll up! The show is about to begin!
Example
Roll up! Don't miss our amazing sale!
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
“roll 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
Roll up! The show is about to begin!
Example
Roll up! Don't miss our amazing sale!
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “roll up!”?
Roll up one's sleeves
To prepare for hard work or a difficult task.
Example
She rolled up her sleeves and started cleaning the house.
Good things to know
Does “roll up!” have an informal or formal tone?
Roll up! is an informal phrase, typically used in casual settings or public events. It is not suitable for formal situations or written communication. However, other related phrases, such as roll up one's sleeves, can be used in both informal and formal contexts.