What are the definitions of “ring up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Telephone.
Helen RANG me UP earlier.
- 2Achieve an amount or number.
They RANG UP several victories.
- 3Enter figures into a till or cash register.
They RANG UP the bill for the groceries.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ring up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ring up is to make a telephone call to someone. For example, it can mean calling a friend, a family member, or a business.
What are the different verb forms of “ring up”?
| Root Verb | ring up |
| Third Person Singular Present | rings up |
| Present Participle | ringing up |
| Simple Past | rang up |
| Past Participle | rung up |
Example
I need to ring up my friend to discuss our plans.
Example
She rings up her mom every Sunday.
Example
He is ringing up the customer service to ask about his order.
Example
Yesterday, they rang up the hotel to make a reservation.
Example
The manager had rung up the supplier to discuss the delivery.
What kind of phrasal verb is “ring 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
“ring 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 rang up her friend to invite her to the party.
Example
He rang the store up to ask about their opening hours.
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
“ring 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 rang up her friend to invite her to the party.
Example
He rang the store up to ask about their opening hours.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “ring up”?
Good things to know
Does “ring up” have an informal or formal tone?
Ring up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternatives such as 'call' or 'telephone' when referring to making a phone call, or 'record' or 'register' when referring to entering figures into a cash register.
