mix up — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

mix up

confuse two things combine things

Meaning 1 · most common

confuse two things

mix up A and B

To think that one person or thing is another, usually by mistake.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I always mix up their names because they look so similar.

A: Did you call Sarah?
B: Oops, I mixed up her number with Emma's and called the wrong person.

Common mistake

Not: I always mix ~~up them.~~

Say: I always mix them up.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'mix them up'.

More on “confuse two things”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Sometimes I mix up the dates for my appointments, especially when I'm busy.

Tell it apart

I always mix up their names.

confuse one for the other

I always mix up a smoothie.

combine ingredients

Goes with

mix up + confusables

Practice saying this

Next meaning: combine things

Meaning 2

combine things

mix up sth

To put different things together so they are mixed or combined.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Mix up the ingredients before you pour them into the pan.

A: How do you make this salad?
B: Just mix up all the vegetables and add some dressing.

Common mistake

Not: Mix up ~~well~~ the ~~batter.~~

Say: Mix the batter up well. / Mix up the batter well.

Keep the adverb at the end: 'mix it up well'.

More on “combine things”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I cook, I like to mix up different spices to create new flavors.

Tell it apart

Mix up the salad before serving.

combine / toss together

Don't mix up the twins.

confuse one for the other

Goes with

mix up + ingredients

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which one is it?

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

confuse two things combine things