Phrasal verb
charge up
Definition
phrasal verb. to fill a battery with electricity so a device can work again. You use this when your phone or laptop is low on power.
phrasal verb. to restore electrical energy to a battery or battery-operated device. The verb functions transitively with the device as the object or intransitively to describe the state of the device.
Examples
“I need to charge up my phone before we leave.”
“If you don't charge up your laptop tonight, it will probably die during the presentation tomorrow morning.”
“The electric vehicle requires several hours to charge up fully at a standard station, though rapid chargers can significantly reduce this duration.”
Examples
simple
“I need to charge up my phone before we leave.”
contextual
“If you don't charge up your laptop tonight, it will probably die during the presentation tomorrow morning.”
complex
“The electric vehicle requires several hours to charge up fully at a standard station, though rapid chargers can significantly reduce this duration.”
Usage
this phrase is separable, meaning you can put the object between 'charge' and 'up'.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'recharge' which is more formal; 'charge up' is the standard phrasal verb for daily tech use.
Pitfall
I need to charge up of my phone.
I need to charge up my phone.
no preposition 'of' is needed between the particle 'up' and the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
charge + up + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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