What are the definitions of “dress up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Dress very smartly.
It's an informal party so there's no need to DRESS UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dress up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dress up is to wear formal or fancy clothes, usually for a special occasion or event. For example, people often dress up for weddings, parties, or other celebrations.
What are the different verb forms of “dress up”?
| Root Verb | dress up |
| Third Person Singular Present | dresses up |
| Present Participle | dressing up |
| Simple Past | dressed up |
| Past Participle | dressed up |
Example
I always dress up for important events.
Example
She dresses up for every party she attends.
Example
He is dressing up for the gala tonight.
Example
Yesterday, they dressed up for the wedding.
Example
The guests had dressed up for the occasion.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dress 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
“dress 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
She dressed up for the party.
Example
He dressed up for the interview.
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
“dress 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 dressed up for the party.
Example
He dressed up for the interview.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dress up”?
Dress someone/something up
Put fancy or formal clothes on someone or something.
Example
She dressed up her dog for the pet costume contest.
Good things to know
Does “dress up” have an informal or formal tone?
Dress up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
