swell up

USAGE SUMMARY

"swell up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or part of the body that becomes larger or more swollen than normal. Example: "After getting stung by a bee, my hand began to swell up and become red and itchy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They swell up like toads.

The New Yorker

"I swell up like a pregnant woman.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is it going to swell up?

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully it won't swell up any more.

The New York Times - Sports

"Hopefully, it doesn't swell up tonight".

The New York Times - Sports

"The beatings with electric cable made her lips swell up".

Independent

"It didn't swell up too bad," Ivey said.

The New York Times - Sports

His legs swell up and he can't walk.

The Guardian - Books

Then the tears swell up and the music follows suit.

The Guardian - Film

"As the week went on, the knee didn't swell up anymore," Thomas said.

The New York Times

Such cells are mechanically fragile and readily swell up and burst in dilute salt solution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical reaction to an injury or allergy, use "swell up" to accurately convey the increase in size due to inflammation. For example: "After the bee sting, her arm began to "swell up" almost immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "swell up" to describe feelings of pride or happiness. While emotions can metaphorically "swell", it's more accurate to use phrases like "fill with pride" or "overflow with joy" to prevent misinterpretation. For example, instead of "His chest "swelled up" with pride", say "His chest filled with pride".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swell up" is that of an intransitive phrasal verb. It describes a process where something increases in size or volume, often due to internal pressure or inflammation, without directly acting upon an object. As Ludwig AI examples demonstrate, this can apply to body parts, materials, or even emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swell up" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe an increase in size or volume, often due to inflammation or pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid confusing its physical meaning with emotional states, opting for more precise language in those instances. Use it to accurately portray the process of enlargement, especially in relation to physical conditions. Be aware that while pride can "swell" inside of you and this phrase is grammatically correct, you may want to specify "fill with pride" instead, to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become inflated

Focuses on the state of being filled with air or gas, implying a rounded increase in size.

expand in size

Emphasizes the process of growing larger, more general than swelling.

increase in volume

Highlights a measurable growth in the amount of space occupied.

grow larger

A basic and direct way to state an increase in dimensions.

become distended

Suggests a stretching or bulging, often due to internal pressure.

puff up

Implies a quick and noticeable increase in size, often with air or gas.

balloon

Suggests a rapid and substantial increase in size and shape, resembling a balloon.

enlarge

A formal term for making something bigger.

bulge out

Implies protruding outwards, often due to internal force or pressure.

inflate

Similar to 'become inflated' but can also imply metaphorical increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "swell up" to describe an increase in size, often due to inflammation or pressure. For example: "My ankle started to "swell up" after I twisted it."

What's a good alternative to "swell up" when describing an increase in size?

Alternatives to "swell up" include "become inflated", "expand in size", or "increase in volume", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "swell up" to describe emotional feelings?

While "swell up" primarily describes physical enlargement, you can use other options such as "fill with pride" or "overflow with joy" to avoid misinterpretation. For example, use "fill with pride" rather than "swell up with pride".

What causes body parts to "swell up"?

Body parts can "swell up" due to injuries, allergic reactions, infections, or other medical conditions that cause inflammation and fluid retention. Consult a medical professional for specific causes and treatments.