hooked up

USAGE SUMMARY

"hooked up" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but it is most often used to mean "connected" or "attached." Example: "I hooked up my laptop to the projector so everyone could see the presentation." In this sentence, "hooked up" means that the person physically connected their laptop to the projector using cords or cables. Another example: "We hooked up the new sound system to the TV and now we can watch movies with surround sound." Here, "hooked up" means that the two electronic devices were connected so they can work together and produce better sound quality. In a more casual or slang sense, "hooked up" can also mean that two people got together or started a romantic or sexual relationship. Example: "Did you hear that Sarah and John hooked up at the party last night?" In this case, "hooked up" means that Sarah and John began a romantic or sexual relationship at the party. Overall, "hooked up" is a versatile phrase that can be used to describe various types of connections or relationships.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Electrodes are hooked up.

The New Yorker

They're hooked up together".

The New York Times

So, they hooked up.

The New York Times - Sports

Wham! Paul hooked up.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe Nate even hooked up with Ellen.

The New Yorker

And that's how we hooked up.

Independent

So we hooked up," recalls Bolton.

Independent

(Gloria and Melman hooked up in "M2").

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They hook up.

The New Yorker

"Let's hook up next week.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical connections, use "hooked up" to convey a sense of quick or temporary attachment. For more permanent or complex connections, consider alternatives like "connected" or "linked".

Common error

Be mindful that in informal conversation, "hooked up" often implies a romantic or sexual encounter. If describing a platonic connection, choose a less ambiguous phrase like "got together" or "spent time with".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hooked up" primarily functions as a descriptor of a connection, either physical (connecting devices) or social (forming a relationship). Ludwig AI confirms its versatility in various contexts. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing both electronic connections and interpersonal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hooked up" is a versatile phrasal verb with a wide range of applications, from describing physical connections to romantic relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across numerous contexts. While grammatically correct and very common, its informality means it might not always be suitable for professional or academic writing. When in doubt, consider alternatives like "connected", "linked", or "established a connection" to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone. Be aware of potential ambiguities, especially in informal conversations where it can carry a romantic connotation. Remember that "hooked up" is very common in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

connected

Emphasizes the physical or logical link established, losing the phrasal verb structure.

linked up

Similar to "hooked up" but might imply a more intentional or planned connection.

got together

Refers more specifically to a social or romantic connection between people.

attached

Focuses on the physical connection or joining of two things.

coupled up

Specifically implies a romantic pairing or relationship.

became involved

Suggests participation or association without necessarily implying a romantic relationship.

established a connection

More formal and emphasizes the creation of a link or relationship.

teamed up

Suggests collaboration or partnership for a specific purpose.

associated with

Implies a connection or relationship, often in a professional or organizational context.

established relations

Formal language. Suggests a connection or relationship between two entities.

FAQs

What does "hooked up" mean?

The phrase "hooked up" has multiple meanings. It can refer to a physical connection, like connecting electronic devices. Informally, it often implies a romantic or sexual encounter.

What can I say instead of "hooked up" to describe a connection?

Depending on the context, you can use "connected", "linked up", "attached", or "teamed up".

Is it appropriate to use "hooked up" in formal writing?

While "hooked up" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional terms like "connected", "linked", or "established a connection".

What's the difference between "hooked up" and "got together"?

"Hooked up" can imply a casual encounter, while "got together" suggests a more intentional or meaningful social interaction, potentially leading to a relationship.