1. To perk up is to sudenly become happier or more lively, especially after feeling tired, sad or ill.
To perk up someone (or perk someone up) is to make someone feel happier or more lively.
Examples of use:
a) I’m so tired. I need a cup of strong coffee to perk me up!
b) She’s been ill all week, but she’s perked up a bit today.
c) The good news about their jobs perked everyone up.
2. If you perk up something (or perk something up) you make it more interesting or improve it.
If something perks up it improves or becomes more interesting
Examples of use:
a) The first half of the concert was boring but it perked up in the second half.
b) This book is so dull! I hope it perks up soon.
c) House prices have perked up after last year’s recession.
d) Some garlic and herbs will perk that soup up.
| infinitive |
perk up |
| present simple |
perk up and perks up |
| -ing form |
perking up |
| past simple |
perked up |
| past participle |
perked up |
Can you use this phrasal verb in a sentence?
Do you drink coffee to perk you up in the mornings?
Image © christopher cornelius
