What are the definitions of “gang up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Form a group against something or someone.
They GANGED UP to try to stop the new system.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “gang up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb gang up is to form a group against someone or something, usually with the intention of causing harm or opposing them. This can be used in various contexts, such as people joining together to bully someone or a group of people working together to oppose a new idea or system.
What are the different verb forms of “gang up”?
| Root Verb | gang up |
| Third Person Singular Present | gangs up |
| Present Participle | ganging up |
| Simple Past | ganged up |
| Past Participle | ganged up |
Example
The kids at school often gang up on the new student.
Example
He always gangs up with his friends to tease others.
Example
They are ganging up against the new policy.
Example
The employees ganged up to protest against the new rules.
Example
The neighbors had ganged up to stop the construction of the new building.
What kind of phrasal verb is “gang 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
“gang 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 students ganged up to protest the new dress code.
Example
The workers ganged up against the unfair treatment.
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
“gang 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 students ganged up to protest the new dress code.
Example
The workers ganged up against the unfair treatment.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “gang up”?
Good things to know
Does “gang up” have an informal or formal tone?
Gang up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'join forces,' 'unite,' or 'collaborate' may be more appropriate.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “gang up”?
Synonyms
- unite
- collaborate
- ally
- combine
- join forces
- team up
- work together
- band together
