block up

USAGE SUMMARY

'block up' is an appropriate expression in written English.
It can be used to describe the blocking or sealing of something (likely a hole or an opening of some kind). For example, "He used slow-setting cement to block up the small gap in the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You could tell she liked to block up a lot of traffic.

The New Yorker

Just in case the balloon bursts and starts to travel down and block up the intestines.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maybe he thought he could block up his arteries completely and stop the poison getting through.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Trump's not racist," he said, half a block up, identifying himself as a real-estate investor.

The New Yorker

Hot water is sporadic and the filthy toilets and shower drains block up constantly.

The Guardian

Check your pastry case for holes and block up any with spare dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jupiter-sized planets can block up to 1% of the star's light whereas Earth-sized planets may only block 0.01%.

Harvard University

SITUATED in SoHo, a block up from Jil Sander, Saturdays is not a typical SoCal surf shop.

The New York Times

The company says the system has the ability to identify and block up to 25 decibels of extraneous sound.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

When up-regulated, Insig-1 is known to block up-regulation of Peroxisome Proliferator receptor (PPAR) gamma-2 [ 41].

BMC Nephrology

If you get the tube down to the food block-up, it should blast the junk out of the way.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "block up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being blocked and what is causing the blockage. For instance, specify "block up the drain with debris" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "block up" in contexts where a weaker term like "slow down" or "impede" is more appropriate. "Block up" implies a complete or near-complete obstruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "block up" functions primarily as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object to obstruct it completely. Ludwig's examples showcase this use in various contexts, from physical blockages to abstract preventions. The phrase often implies a sense of finality or completeness in the obstruction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

29%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "block up" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of completely obstructing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though especially prevalent in news, wiki articles, and scientific publications. When using "block up", make sure the context indicates clearly what is being obstructed and by what. Alternatives include "obstruct", "seal off", and "clog", each carrying slightly different nuances. It's important to avoid overgeneralization and to use "block up" only when the obstruction is significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstruct

Focuses on impeding movement or progress; lacks the sense of completeness.

seal off

Implies a complete closure to prevent access or flow.

close off

Similar to "seal off" but may suggest a less permanent closure.

barricade

Suggests a defensive or forceful blocking of a passage or entrance.

clog

Specifically refers to blocking a passage, often with accumulated material.

jam

Suggests a blockage caused by something being stuck or wedged.

occlude

A more formal term for blocking, often used in medical contexts.

impede

Focuses on hindering or slowing down progress, without necessarily completely blocking.

stop

A very general term for preventing something from continuing or happening.

prevent

Highlights the act of stopping something before it occurs, rather than blocking something already in progress.

FAQs

How can I use "block up" in a sentence?

You can use "block up" to describe physically obstructing something, such as "The snow "blocked up" the driveway". It can also describe abstract obstructions.

What's the difference between "block up" and "clog"?

"Block up" generally describes a complete obstruction, while "clog" often refers to a partial obstruction caused by accumulated material. For example, a pipe can "clog" gradually, eventually "blocking up" entirely.

Are there formal alternatives to "block up"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "obstruct", "seal off", or "occlude", depending on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "block up"?

It's inappropriate to use "block up" when the obstruction is only partial or temporary. Use it only when the obstruction is significant and relatively complete.