mask up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mask up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to instruct or encourage someone to put on a mask, especially in the context of health and safety measures. Example: "As we enter the crowded area, please remember to mask up to protect yourself and others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The selectivity of InP against oxide mask (up to 35:1) for the Cl2/CH4/H2 process is one of the highest reported so far.

Journal of Crystal Growth

PAYDAY 2 Released on Aug. 13 Developed by Overkill Software/Starbreeze Published by 505 Games For PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 Rated M (Mature) for blood, intense violence, strong language and suggestive themes The plan was to play it by the book: mask up, get in and get out.

The New York Times - Arts

Of course, you're the A.G., not me, even if I did appoint you--but, just wondering aloud, have you and your fine team ever considered: (a) That it wasn't me at all in those White House videotapes but "Tricky Dick" Nixon in a rubber Clinton mask, up to his old political mischief?

The New Yorker

Haug describes it as a bit like playing carnival, because "you just mask up and say anything you want", translates Schwengber.

BBC

In times like those we find it no less refreshing to scorch away the top few layers of skin with a splash of Lye and mask up with a liberal misting of Christophe Street fragrance, made by the sister of acclaimed New York leather daddy Christophe Andre.

Vice

Instead of peacefully handing out leaflets, they mask up and employ the full force of "direct action", proven by their many attacks – for example, the bombing of private banks in Rome, the torching of surveillance towers in Russia and the destruction of rail lines in the UK.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He brought lots of masks up from the shop, along with old clothes, and improvised models from them.

The New York Times - Arts

Assistant Chief Constable Alistair Finlay said: "There certainly were people masked up and there were certainly people wearing surgical gloves..

The Guardian

Freshly radicalised by these experiences, it is little surprise that on 26 March, so many young people chose to reject the police-approved TUC march and masked up, seeking freedom and solidarity in the anonymity of the black bloc.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lily, Xinyan and Daisy from the BBC's Beijing bureau are masked up but not morose.

BBC

Anthropogenic aerosol emission induces cooling over monsoon land and ocean, masking up to 50% or more of the WOWL effect.

Geoscience Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to wear a mask for health reasons, use "mask up" for brevity and directness. For example, "Please mask up before entering the building."

Common error

Avoid using "mask up" in overly formal documents or professional settings where a more precise term like "wear a mask" or "use respiratory protection" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"Mask up" functions as a phrasal verb, instructing or encouraging someone to put on a mask. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. Examples show it used both literally (wearing a face covering) and figuratively (concealing one's true self).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mask up" functions as a phrasal verb, primarily used to instruct or encourage the act of wearing a mask, whether for safety, disguise, or concealment. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and common, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral to informal, more formal alternatives like ""wear a mask"" may be preferred in professional or academic settings. When using "mask up", ensure the context aligns with its direct and action-oriented nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put on a mask

Direct substitution for the action of wearing a mask.

wear a mask

Similar to "put on a mask", but emphasizes the state of wearing it.

don a mask

More formal way to say "put on a mask".

conceal your face

Similar to covering your face, but implies hiding or obscuring it.

cover your face

Broader term that includes covering the face with anything, not specifically a mask.

assume a disguise

Similar to disguise oneself, emphasizing the act of taking on a different appearance.

disguise oneself

Indicates changing one's appearance to avoid recognition.

shield your identity

Focuses on protecting anonymity rather than physical covering.

cloak oneself

Figurative, implies concealing one's true self or intentions.

hide behind a facade

Metaphorical, suggesting emotional or psychological concealment.

FAQs

What does "mask up" mean?

"Mask up" means to put on a mask, typically for protection or disguise. It's often used in the context of health and safety, like wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of germs.

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

You can say, "As we enter the crowded area, please remember to "mask up"" or "The protesters decided to "wear masks" before the demonstration."

What's a more formal way to say "mask up"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "wear a mask", "don a mask", or "use respiratory protection" instead of "mask up".

Is "mask up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "mask up" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb. It's commonly used and understood in contemporary English, as also confirmed by Ludwig.