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SCMP Reporter

Phrasal verbs are a beautiful part of the English language. There are not many difficult words. However, we need to learn them by heart. When a verb combines with a preposition, a new meaning is born.

Example 1: The mother cut up the food for her baby.

The mother  has divided the food into several pieces for her baby.

The phrasal verb 'cut up' has more than one meaning.

Example 2: Before a long holiday, all classes cut up.

Here, it means the students behave badly.

Example 3: She is terribly cut up about the death of the singer.

'To be cut up' means one is very upset about what has happened.

In American English, 'to cut up' means to criticise severely. The usage is rather informal.

Example: He always cut her up about her fashion sense.



Language point