Question 1

What does "shorten up" mean?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the length of an object, garment, or text

Question 2

How do you use "shorten up" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

She asked the seamstress to shorten up the sleeves by a couple of inches.

Question 3

Is "shorten up" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"shorten up" is informal — used mainly in casual conversation. Used in sports (e.g., 'shorten up on the bat' in baseball/cricket means to grip closer to the middle), tailoring, and everyday speech. In American English, common in baseball commentary. More frequent than 'shorten down'.

shorten up

Écoutez en contexte

Expressions associées

Plus avec "up"