What are the definitions of “mug up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Study something quickly, revise.
I need to MUG UP ON my history for the test.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mug up on”?
The phrasal verb mug up on means to study or revise something quickly, usually in preparation for a test or exam. It is often used when someone needs to learn a lot of information in a short amount of time.
What are the different verb forms of “mug up on”?
| Root Verb | mug up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | mugs up on |
| Present Participle | mugging up on |
| Simple Past | mugged up on |
| Past Participle | mugged up on |
Example
I need to mug up on my history for the test.
Example
She mugs up on her chemistry notes before the exam.
Example
He is mugging up on the new software before the presentation.
Example
Yesterday, they mugged up on the material for the quiz.
Example
She had mugged up on the entire textbook before the final exam.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mug up on”?
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
“mug up on” 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
I need to mug up on my history for the test.
Example
She mugged up on her chemistry notes before the exam.
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
“mug up on” 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
I need to mug up on my history for the test.
Example
She mugged up on her chemistry notes before the exam.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mug up on”?
Good things to know
Does “mug up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Mug up on is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations among friends, family, or classmates. It is not commonly used in formal settings or professional writing. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'study,' 'revise,' or 'review' can be used.
