SHORE UP

National Parks

📖 Definition

To shore up means to strengthen or support something that is weak or at risk of failing, often by adding reinforcement or assistance.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To shore up means to strengthen or support something that is weak or at risk of failing, often by adding reinforcement or assistance.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can be placed between 'shore' and 'up' or after 'up'.
Register
Neutral
Can be used in both formal and informal contexts without sounding out of place.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object that receives the action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple shore up They shore up the old bridge with new supports.
Past Simple shored up The team shored up their strategy after the initial failure.
Present Continuous shoring up She is shoring up her argument with additional evidence.
Present Perfect have shored up We have shored up the defenses ahead of the storm.

💡 When to Use

Reinforcing a structure
Use when physically strengthening a weak or failing structure to ensure stability and safety.
Example: "They needed to shore up the crumbling building with steel beams."
Strengthening a position
Use when providing additional support to reinforce a viewpoint or argument.
Example: "She used expert opinions to shore up her case during the debate."
Boosting morale
Use when bolstering the morale or confidence of individuals or a group in challenging situations.
Example: "The manager held a meeting to shore up team morale after the setback."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense usage
❌ Wrong: He shore up the defenses late.
✅ Correct: He shored up the defenses late.
💡 Tip: Remember to match the tense with the timeline of the action.
Separation error
❌ Wrong: Shore the up bridge.
✅ Correct: Shore up the bridge.
💡 Tip: Keep 'up' directly after 'shore' if not placing an object in between.
Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: Shore up quickly the plan.
✅ Correct: Quickly shore up the plan.
💡 Tip: Place adverbs before 'shore up' for clarity.
Practice

SHORE UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

bolster support

Antonyms

weaken

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"They need to ___ up their resources for the upcoming project."

short
shore up
shorn
show

"To shore up one's resolve is to become the architect of one's own destiny, building strength where doubt once dwelled."

In Context

In 1930, the Great Depression was in full swing, devastating economies worldwide. Herbert Hoover, then President of the United States, faced an uphill battle to shore up the faltering banks and restore public confidence. The banking system was crumbling, leading to widespread panic. To shore up the economy, Hoover established financial aid programs and public works projects. However, commercial banks continued to close at alarming rates. In 1932, Hoover signed the Reconstruction Finance Corporation into law, designed to shore up institutions by providing emergency loans to banks, insurance companies, and other commercial entities. Despite these measures, the efforts were too slow and insufficient to shore up the entirely collapsing economy. Public discontent grew, and criticism of Hoover's approach mounted. The perceived failure of his policies to adequately shore up the economic situation contributed significantly to Hoover's loss in the 1932 presidential election to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt swiftly instituted the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms that ultimately succeeded in shoring up the U.S. economy, illustrating the importance and impact of timely and effective interventions in times of crisis.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Shore Up

What is the origin of shore up?

+
The phrase 'shore up' originates from nautical practices, where shores, or supports, were used to stabilize ships in dock. Over time, it evolved into a metaphorical expression used in various contexts to indicate strengthening or support.

Can shore up be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'shore up' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its neutral register provides flexibility, making it suitable for academic papers, business discussions, and casual conversations alike as it effectively conveys the concept of providing support or reinforcement.

What is the difference between shore up and bolster?

+
While 'shore up' and 'bolster' are synonymous, the former often implies providing structural or foundational support, especially in physical or strategic contexts. 'Bolster' is broader, often used to describe emotional or subjective reinforcement, like boosting confidence or morale.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

share inshift overshoot upshut outsign up
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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