Phrasal verb
use up
Meanings
to consume or finish all of something so that none remains
to spend all of a limited resource such as time, energy, or battery power
Definition
To use up something means to use all of it so none is left.
When you use up something, you consume or spend all of it until there is nothing left. It is often used for supplies like food, time, battery power, or money. After you use it up, you usually need to replace it, recharge it, or get more.
Examples
- I used up all the flour, so I can’t bake another loaf today.
- You’ll use up your phone battery if you keep streaming videos.
- She used up the last of the paint on the final wall.
- They used up their free time preparing for the presentation.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "use up out" or "use out" instead of the correct phrasal verb "use up."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.