The phrasal verb "pair up" is commonly used in informal speech and writing, though it can appear in more neutral and formal contexts depending on the subject matter. It generally means to join together with another person or thing to form a pair, often for a specific purpose or activity. This phrase is frequently used in educational settings, such as classrooms where students are instructed to pair up for collaborative exercises or projects. In work environments, it can be applied to team-building exercises or when coworkers collaborate on a task. The expression is straightforward, suggesting a simple action of forming a dyad, and its use extends to various contexts, including social events and competitions where joining forces in pairs is necessary. It is a versatile verb that smoothly transitions between casual and more structured situations, contributing to its wide usage across different contexts.
A2
Elementary
1. To match one person with another, often for work or social activities.
The teacher asked the students to pair up for the project.
We decided to pair up to tackle the problem together.
2. To put two objects together, often because they complement or match each other.
Let's pair up the shoes to find the matching ones.
Make sure you pair up the socks after washing them.