Phrasal verb
ginger up
Definition
phrasal verb. to make something or someone more exciting, lively, or interesting. You use this when a situation or a project feels a bit dull and needs more energy.
phrasal verb. To enliven or stimulate a person, situation, or activity. This transitive phrasal verb is often used in contexts where a dull or flagging process requires renewed vigor.
Examples
“We need to ginger up the meeting with some new ideas.”
“The director decided to ginger up the play by adding a few more comedic scenes in the second act.”
“The chancellor sought to ginger up the stagnant economy by introducing a series of aggressive tax incentives for small businesses.”
Examples
simple
“We need to ginger up the meeting with some new ideas.”
contextual
“The director decided to ginger up the play by adding a few more comedic scenes in the second act.”
complex
“The chancellor sought to ginger up the stagnant economy by introducing a series of aggressive tax incentives for small businesses.”
Usage
The object can be placed either after 'up' or between 'ginger' and 'up'.
Teaching tip
Explain the metaphor of ginger as a stimulating spice to help students remember that the phrase means adding energy to a situation.
Pitfall
We need to ginger up of the party.
We need to ginger up the party.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
ginger + 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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