hook up

USAGE SUMMARY

'hook up' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean "to meet or begin a romantic or sexual relationship with someone," or alternatively, it can mean "to connect two pieces of electronics together". Example sentence: I'm looking to hook up with someone new.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

They hook up.

The New Yorker

"Let's hook up next week.

The New Yorker

They don't hook up.

The New York Times

If you want to hook up, hook up, they said.

The New York Times

Instead of going steady, they "hook up".

The New York Times

And they don't hook up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Hence Holmes's hook-up with Filter.

The Guardian

Ken's hairdresser hook-up of yore.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A Rolling Stones hook-up remains unlikely.

The Guardian - Music

Hook-up culture is hurriedly imported.

The New York Times

Because it's not a hook-up app.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to connecting devices, be specific about the type of connection to avoid ambiguity. Instead of "hook up the device", specify "connect the device via HDMI".

Common error

The phrase "hook up" has multiple meanings (connecting devices, meeting someone romantically). Ensure the context is clear to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hook up" functions primarily as a verb indicating an action. This action can be either connecting physical objects (like electronic devices) or initiating a romantic/sexual encounter. Ludwig AI confirms this multiple function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

17%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hook up" is a versatile phrasal verb with meanings ranging from connecting devices to initiating casual relationships. As per Ludwig AI analysis, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and widely used, as demonstrated by the numerous examples from reputable sources. While generally acceptable, its informal nature suggests caution in formal settings, and providing adequate context is essential to prevent ambiguity. Remember to specify connections for technical scenarios and consider alternative phrases like "connect with" or "meet up" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get with

A more colloquial term for starting a romantic or sexual relationship.

connect with

Focuses on establishing a connection, whether physical or relational.

meet up

Emphasizes arranging a meeting.

get it on

Implies engaging in sexual activity.

get together

Indicates a social gathering or meeting.

sleep with

Specifically refers to engaging in sexual intercourse.

link up

Similar to "connect with" but can imply a more formal or strategic association.

pair up

Suggests forming a pair or couple, often in a casual context.

have relations

A euphemistic and formal way to describe sexual intercourse.

interface

Suggests connecting electronic components or systems.

FAQs

What does "hook up" mean?

The phrase "hook up" can mean to connect something, like electronics, or to begin a casual sexual relationship with someone.

What can I say instead of "hook up" when referring to a casual relationship?

You can use alternatives like "get with", "get together", or "pair up" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "hook up with" or just "hook up"?

Both are correct. You can "hook up" with someone or simply "hook up", depending on the sentence structure.

How do I avoid ambiguity when using "hook up"?

Provide enough context. For example, "hook up the TV to the DVD player" is clear, while "they decided to hook up" needs further explanation.