pair up
A2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
Work together with one other person, or join into groups of two.
Literal meaning: To pair (form a pair) and come up together — transparent.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To join with one other person to form a working partnership or team of two.
"OK everyone, pair up with the person next to you and discuss the article for five minutes."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To combine two things or people that complement each other well.
"The museum paired up the two collections for a special joint exhibition."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Very common in classroom and workshop settings. Also used in sports and social situations. Can be used as a command ('pair up') or a description ('they paired up').
Commonly used with
students workers partners friends task exercise
Forms
Base
pair up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pairs up
he/she/it
Past simple
paired up
yesterday
Past participle
paired up
have + pp
-ing form
pairing up
continuous
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Synonyms
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