What are the definitions of “head up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be in charge.
He's HEADING UP the steering committee.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “head up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb head up is to be in charge of something or to lead a group, team, or project. It means that someone has the responsibility and authority to make decisions and manage the work.
What are the different verb forms of “head up”?
| Root Verb | head up |
| Third Person Singular Present | heads up |
| Present Participle | heading up |
| Simple Past | headed up |
| Past Participle | headed up |
Example
She will head up the new marketing team.
Example
He heads up the finance department.
Example
She is heading up the event planning committee.
Example
Last year, he headed up the fundraising campaign.
Example
The project was headed up by an experienced manager.
What kind of phrasal verb is “head 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
“head 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 headed up the marketing team.
Example
He headed the finance department up.
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
“head 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 headed up the marketing team.
Example
He headed the finance department up.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “head up”?
Head up a meeting
Lead or chair a meeting.
Example
Our manager will head up the meeting tomorrow.
Head up a project
Be in charge of a project.
Example
She was chosen to head up the new software development project.
Head up a team
Lead a team of people.
Example
He heads up the sales team at the company.
Good things to know
Does “head up” have an informal or formal tone?
Head up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as professional settings, such as business meetings and presentations.
