Phrasal verb
stock up
Definition
phr.v. to buy a lot of something so you do not run out of it later.
phr.v. to acquire or accumulate a large supply of something for future use.
Examples
“We need to stock up on milk before the storm starts.”
“Whenever there is a big sale at the supermarket, my parents stock up on canned goods and toilet paper.”
“Anticipating a significant disruption in the global supply chain, several major tech firms began to stock up on essential semiconductors and raw materials.”
Examples
simple
“We need to stock up on milk before the storm starts.”
contextual
“Whenever there is a big sale at the supermarket, my parents stock up on canned goods and toilet paper.”
complex
“Anticipating a significant disruption in the global supply chain, several major tech firms began to stock up on essential semiconductors and raw materials.”
Usage
Usually followed by the preposition 'on' when the items are mentioned.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'hoard', which has a negative connotation of greed or panic; 'stock up' is generally seen as a sensible, organized action.
Commonly used in the context of groceries, emergency supplies, or business inventory.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
stock + up (+ on + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/stock-up