What are the definitions of “gussy up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Dress smartly or improve the appearance of something.
They spent a fortune GUSSYING UP the house.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “gussy up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb gussy up is to dress smartly or improve the appearance of something. It can be used to describe a person dressing up for a special occasion or making something look better.
What are the different verb forms of “gussy up”?
| Root Verb | gussy up |
| Third Person Singular Present | gussies up |
| Present Participle | gussying up |
| Simple Past | gussied up |
| Past Participle | gussied up |
Example
She always gussies up for parties.
Example
He gussies up the living room before guests arrive.
Example
She is gussying up her bedroom with new decorations.
Example
They gussied up the garden for the wedding.
Example
The old car was gussied up with a fresh coat of paint.
What kind of phrasal verb is “gussy 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
“gussy 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
She gussied up her outfit with a beautiful scarf.
Example
He gussied the room up with colorful decorations.
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
“gussy 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 gussied up her outfit with a beautiful scarf.
Example
He gussied the room up with colorful decorations.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “gussy up”?
Good things to know
Does “gussy up” have an informal or formal tone?
Gussy up is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or writing. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'embellish' or 'enhance' can be used.
