What are the definitions of “root up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Dig a plant out of the ground.
He ROOTED UP the plants and replanted them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “root up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb root up is to dig a plant out of the ground. It is often used when talking about gardening or landscaping activities. For example, it can mean removing a plant from the soil to transplant it or to clear an area.
What are the different verb forms of “root up”?
| Root Verb | root up |
| Third Person Singular Present | roots up |
| Present Participle | rooting up |
| Simple Past | rooted up |
| Past Participle | rooted up |
Example
I need to root up the weeds in the garden.
Example
She roots up the old plants to make room for new ones.
Example
He is rooting up the bushes to create a new flower bed.
Example
Yesterday, they rooted up the dead tree from the yard.
Example
The invasive plants have been rooted up and removed.
What kind of phrasal verb is “root 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
“root 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 rooted up the old flowers to plant new ones.
Example
He rooted the weeds up from the garden.
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
“root 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 rooted up the old flowers to plant new ones.
Example
He rooted the weeds up from the garden.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “root up”?
Root up information
To search for and discover information, often through extensive research or investigation.
Example
The journalist rooted up evidence of corruption in the government.
Good things to know
Does “root up” have an informal or formal tone?
Root up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing gardening or landscaping activities. In more formal settings, it may be used to describe the process of searching for and discovering information.
