What are the definitions of “flare up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1When trouble suddenly appears.
The argument FLARED UP when he was rude to them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “flare up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb flare up is when a problem, conflict, or pain suddenly becomes worse or more intense. For example, it can refer to a sudden increase in pain, a sudden argument, or a sudden worsening of a situation.
What are the different verb forms of “flare up”?
| Root Verb | flare up |
| Third Person Singular Present | flares up |
| Present Participle | flaring up |
| Simple Past | flared up |
| Past Participle | flared up |
Example
The pain in my knee tends to flare up when it's cold outside.
Example
Her allergies often flare up during the spring season.
Example
The conflict between the two groups is flaring up again.
Example
The fire flared up when the wind blew harder.
Example
The situation had flared up unexpectedly, causing panic.
What kind of phrasal verb is “flare 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
“flare 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
The argument flared up quickly.
Example
Her skin condition flared up after using the new cream.
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
“flare 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
The argument flared up quickly.
Example
Her skin condition flared up after using the new cream.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “flare up”?
Flare-up
A sudden worsening or increase in intensity of a problem, conflict, or pain.
Example
He experienced a flare-up of his arthritis due to the cold weather.
Good things to know
Does “flare up” have an informal or formal tone?
Flare 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 news reports or academic discussions, depending on the specific context.
