Phrasal verb
mock up
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
mock up
Past
mocked up
Past participle
mocked up
Definition
phrasal verb. to make a simple model or a quick version of something to see how it will look or work. You use this when you want to test an idea before making the real thing.
phrasal verb. to construct a model or replica of a design or device for study, testing, or display. Transitive; the object can be a physical prototype or a digital layout.
Examples
“The designers mock up the new website layout on paper first.”
“Before building the actual car, the engineers decided to mock up a full-scale version using clay and plastic.”
“The architectural firm spent weeks trying to mock up the complex glass facade to ensure the structural integrity met the client's rigorous safety standards.”
Examples
simple
“The designers mock up the new website layout on paper first.”
contextual
“Before building the actual car, the engineers decided to mock up a full-scale version using clay and plastic.”
complex
“The architectural firm spent weeks trying to mock up the complex glass facade to ensure the structural integrity met the client's rigorous safety standards.”
Usage
The object can sit between the verb and the particle or follow the particle.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'prototype' (more technical/functional) and 'sketch' (2D only); 'mock up' implies a visual representation used for feedback.
Pitfall
We need to mock up of the interface.
We need to mock up the interface.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
mock + (object) + 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/mock-up