What are the definitions of “dig up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Find something that is supposed to be secret.
The reporters eventually DUG UP the truth about the affair.
- 2Remove something from the ground.
The police DUG UP a body.
- 3Make a hole in a road, the ground, etc.
The council have DUG the road UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dig up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dig up is to remove something from the ground or find something that was buried. For example, it can mean unearthing a plant, discovering hidden information, or excavating an archaeological site.
What are the different verb forms of “dig up”?
| Root Verb | dig up |
| Third Person Singular Present | digs up |
| Present Participle | digging up |
| Simple Past | dug up |
| Past Participle | dug up |
Example
The archaeologists plan to dig up the ancient ruins.
Example
She digs up the garden every spring to plant new flowers.
Example
He is digging up the old tree stump in the backyard.
Example
Yesterday, they dug up a time capsule from their childhood.
Example
The hidden treasure was finally dug up after years of searching.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dig 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
“dig 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 detective dug up some new evidence.
Example
The gardener dug up the weeds in 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
“dig 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 detective dug up some new evidence.
Example
The gardener dug up the weeds in the garden.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dig up”?
Dig up information
To search for and find information, especially when it is not easily accessible.
Example
The journalist spent weeks digging up information for her investigative report.
Good things to know
Does “dig up” have an informal or formal tone?
Dig 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 academic research or professional investigations.
