What are the definitions of “bang up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Put someone in prison.
The judge BANGED him UP for eight years.
- 2Damage badly.
He BANGED his car UP last night.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bang up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bang up is to damage something badly, usually referring to a vehicle or an object. It can also mean to put someone in prison.
What are the different verb forms of “bang up”?
| Root Verb | bang up |
| Third Person Singular Present | bangs up |
| Present Participle | banging up |
| Simple Past | banged up |
| Past Participle | banged up |
Example
He managed to bang up his new car in an accident.
Example
She bangs up her bicycle when she crashes into a tree.
Example
He is banging up the door while trying to break it open.
Example
Yesterday, they banged up the old car during the race.
Example
The car was banged up after the collision.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bang 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
“bang 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 judge banged him up for eight years.
Example
He banged up his car last night.
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
“bang 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 judge banged him up for eight years.
Example
He banged up his car last night.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bang up”?
Bang up job
A phrase used to describe a job or task that has been done very well.
Example
She did a bang up job organizing the event.
Banged up
Injured or hurt, usually referring to a person.
Example
He was pretty banged up after the fight.
Bang up to date
Completely current or up-to-date.
Example
Her knowledge of technology is always bang up to date.
Good things to know
Does “bang up” have an informal or formal tone?
Bang up is an informal phrasal verb and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or professional writing.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “bang up”?
Synonyms
- damage
- wreck
- smash
- imprison
- incarcerate
- jail
- lock up
Antonyms
- repair
- fix
- mend
- release
- free
- liberate
