TEAM UP

📖 Definition

To combine efforts or resources with one or more individuals or groups to achieve a common goal, often leading to more effective results.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To combine efforts or resources with one or more individuals or groups to achieve a common goal, often leading to more effective results.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
Objects can sometimes come between 'team' and 'up', as in 'team them up.'
Register
Neutral
This phrasal verb can be used in both casual and professional contexts.
Transitive
No
It does not require a direct object, but partners are often implied.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple team up Let's team up to complete the project.
Past Simple teamed up They teamed up to win the match.
Present Continuous teaming up He is teaming up with his colleague for the research.
Present Perfect have teamed up They have teamed up on several occasions.

💡 When to Use

Collaborating on a project
Use this when describing when individuals or groups combine efforts to work on a shared project or goal.
Example: "Our companies are teaming up to develop new technology."
Sports or competitions
This applies when athletes join forces to achieve better results in games or tournaments.
Example: "The two tennis players teamed up for the doubles match."
Community events
Utilize this when describing different organizations working together for charity or social campaigns.
Example: "Local charities teamed up for the food drive."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplaced object
❌ Wrong: He wants to up team with experts.
✅ Correct: He wants to team up with experts.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'team up' is a cohesive phrase.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: They have team up already.
✅ Correct: They have teamed up already.
💡 Tip: Match the tense with the auxiliary verb.
Wrong preposition
❌ Wrong: They are teaming up on us.
✅ Correct: They are teaming up with us.
💡 Tip: Use 'with' to indicate cooperation.
Practice

TEAM 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

collaborate join forces

Antonyms

go solo

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many organizations agreed to ___ up for the community project."

Steam
team up
Teem
Dream

"When individuals team up, their combined strength often outweighs the sum of their parts, forging a path to collective success and harmony."

In Context

During the seventeenth century, the scientific revolution saw one of the most remarkable collaborations: that of Isaac Newton and Edmond Halley. Newton had developed the basic principles of what would become calculus and his laws of motion, but hesitated to publish due to his desire for perfection and fear of criticism. Halley, recognizing the importance of Newton’s work, decided to team up with him to bring these groundbreaking ideas to the world. In 1684, Halley traveled to Cambridge to discuss mathematical problems he was facing. Newton revealed that he had already solved similar problems years earlier. Motivated, Halley resolved to team up with Newton. He encouraged him to write the 'Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica,' offering to finance its publication despite not sharing his wealth with Newton. Thanks to Halley's persistence and support, they were able to team up to ensure the revolutionary theories reached a wide audience. The first volume of the Principia was published in 1687, fundamentally changing the understanding of physics. Their collaboration became a testament to the power of intellectual synergy. By teaming up, Newton and Halley not only advanced science but also demonstrated the invaluable benefits of cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Team Up

What is the origin of team up?

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The phrasal verb 'team up' derives from sports terminology, where athletes formed a 'team' to achieve a common goal. Over time, it evolved to include any cooperative effort or collaboration across various fields.

Can team up be used in formal and informal contexts?

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Yes, 'team up' is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. It fits professional environments like business meetings or collaborative projects and casual conversations about shared plans among friends.

What is the difference between team up and collaborate?

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While both mean working together, 'team up' emphasizes the action of forming a group, often temporarily. 'Collaborate' is more formal, often implying a longer-term or deeper partnership, especially in artistic or scientific fields.
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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