What are the definitions of “pile on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Add or give more or something.
Work's crazy- they keep PILING ON the pressure.
- 2Exaggerate or talk in a way to affect someone's feelings.
It wasn't very serious, but they PILED On the guilt.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pile on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pile on is to add more of something, often in a way that makes a situation more difficult or overwhelming. For example, it can mean adding more work, pressure, or responsibilities.
What are the different verb forms of “pile on”?
| Root Verb | pile on |
| Third Person Singular Present | piles on |
| Present Participle | piling on |
| Simple Past | piled on |
| Past Participle | piled on |
Example
The teacher piles on the homework during exam season.
Example
She piles on the blankets when it's cold outside.
Example
He is piling on the toppings on his pizza.
Example
Yesterday, they piled on the criticism during the meeting.
Example
The extra tasks were piled on during the project.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pile on”?
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
“pile on” 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 boss piled on more work for the team.
Example
She piled the blankets on to stay warm.
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
“pile on” 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 boss piled on more work for the team.
Example
She piled the blankets on to stay warm.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pile on”?
Pile on the pounds
To gain weight, often rapidly.
Example
He piled on the pounds after he stopped exercising.
Pile on the pressure
To increase the pressure or stress on someone or something.
Example
The deadline is approaching, and the manager is piling on the pressure.
Pile on the guilt
To make someone feel guilty, often by exaggerating or emphasizing their mistakes.
Example
She piled on the guilt when he forgot their anniversary.
Good things to know
Does “pile on” have an informal or formal tone?
Pile on is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In such cases, alternatives like 'add more' or 'increase' can be used.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pile on”?
Synonyms
- accumulate
- amass
- add
- increase
- heap
- load
- stack
- intensify
