What are the definitions of “string up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Hang somebody.
The rebels STRUNG the soldiers UP after they captured them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “string up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb string up is to hang someone, usually by the neck, as a form of punishment or execution. This is a violent and negative action.
What are the different verb forms of “string up”?
| Root Verb | string up |
| Third Person Singular Present | strings up |
| Present Participle | stringing up |
| Simple Past | strung up |
| Past Participle | strung up |
Example
The angry mob wanted to string up the criminal.
Example
In the story, the villain strings up his enemies.
Example
The rebels were stringing up the captured soldiers.
Example
The outlaws were strung up by the townspeople.
Example
The traitor had been strung up for his crimes.
What kind of phrasal verb is “string 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
“string 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
The rebels strung up the soldiers.
Example
The criminal was strung up by the angry mob.
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
“string 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 rebels strung up the soldiers.
Example
The criminal was strung up by the angry mob.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “string up”?
String up a clothesline
To hang a line between two points for drying clothes.
Example
She strung up a clothesline in the backyard to dry her laundry.
Good things to know
Does “string up” have an informal or formal tone?
String up is generally considered informal, especially when referring to hanging someone as a form of punishment or execution. It is more appropriate for casual conversations or storytelling. However, when used in other contexts, such as hanging lights or a hammock, it can be used in both informal and formal settings.
