What are the definitions of “zip it”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Keep quiet, say nothing.
He told me to ZIP IT, so I said nothing.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “zip it”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb zip it is to keep quiet or say nothing. It is often used as a command to tell someone to stop talking or not to say anything.
What are the different verb forms of “zip it”?
| Root Verb | zip it |
| Third Person Singular Present | zips it |
| Present Participle | zipping it |
| Simple Past | zipped it |
| Past Participle | zipped it |
Example
When the teacher entered the room, she told the students to zip it.
Example
Whenever the boss is around, he zips it and focuses on his work.
Example
She is zipping it during the meeting to avoid interrupting the speaker.
Example
He zipped it when his friend asked him not to reveal the secret.
Example
She had zipped it when her parents asked about her day.
What kind of phrasal verb is “zip it”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“zip it” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He told me to zip it, so I said nothing.
Example
She zipped it when her friend asked her to be quiet.
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
“zip it” 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
He told me to zip it, so I said nothing.
Example
She zipped it when her friend asked her to be quiet.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “zip it”?
Zip one's lips
To keep a secret or not say anything.
Example
I promise I won't tell anyone; I'll zip my lips.
Zip it up
To close a zipper on a piece of clothing or a bag.
Example
Before leaving the house, make sure to zip up your jacket.
Zip through
To complete something quickly or move rapidly.
Example
She zipped through the test and finished in record time.
Good things to know
Does “zip it” have an informal or formal tone?
Zip it is an informal phrasal verb and is not suitable for formal situations. It is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, or peers. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternatives such as 'be quiet' or 'remain silent'.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “zip it”?
Synonyms
- be quiet
- keep quiet
- hush
- silence
- shush
- mum's the word
Antonyms
- communicate
- speak up
- talk
- express
- voice
