Phrasal verb
serve up
Definition
phrasal verb. to provide food for people to eat. You can also use it when a website or TV show presents information to you.
phrasal verb. To present or provide food for consumption; figuratively, to deliver information or entertainment to a recipient. The verb is transitive and often implies the act of offering something that is ready.
Examples
“The chef will serve up the main course in a few minutes.”
“The streaming service serves up a new list of recommended movies every Friday based on your viewing history.”
“The retrospective exhibition serves up a poignant narrative of the artist's evolution, featuring previously unseen sketches alongside her most celebrated masterpieces.”
Examples
simple
“The chef will serve up the main course in a few minutes.”
contextual
“The streaming service serves up a new list of recommended movies every Friday based on your viewing history.”
complex
“The retrospective exhibition serves up a poignant narrative of the artist's evolution, featuring previously unseen sketches alongside her most celebrated masterpieces.”
Usage
You can place the object between 'serve' and 'up' or after the whole phrase.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'serve', which can be intransitive, whereas 'serve up' usually requires a direct object.
Pitfall
The waiter served up to us.
The waiter served up the meal to us.
The phrasal verb 'serve up' is transitive and needs a direct object to show what is being provided.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
serve + 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/serve-up