What are the definitions of “beat up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Attack violently.
The mugger BEAT him UP and stole his wallet.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “beat up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb beat up is to attack someone violently, often causing physical harm. This can refer to a single person or a group attacking someone.
What are the different verb forms of “beat up”?
| Root Verb | beat up |
| Third Person Singular Present | beats up |
| Present Participle | beating up |
| Simple Past | beat up |
| Past Participle | beaten up |
Example
He threatened to beat up anyone who tried to stop him.
Example
The bully often beats up smaller kids at school.
Example
They were beating up the victim when the police arrived.
Example
The gang beat up the store owner for not paying protection money.
Example
He was beaten up so badly that he had to go to the hospital.
What kind of phrasal verb is “beat 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
“beat 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 criminal beat up the innocent bystander.
Example
She beat the attacker up in self-defense.
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
“beat 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 criminal beat up the innocent bystander.
Example
She beat the attacker up in self-defense.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “beat up”?
Good things to know
Does “beat up” have an informal or formal tone?
Beat up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'assault' or 'attack' instead.
