Search from various English teachers...
Vika
To plump a pillow
What do you normally do with cushions and pillows? Do you plump them, plump up or plump out?
I met all three ways to say that, but I´m not sure if there is any difference in the meaning.
Thank you!
Nov 16, 2016 2:37 AM
Answers · 3
Hi Vika,
Yes, all three forms are right. The phrasal verb forms just tell us how the pillows are plumped. If they're plumped out, then they've been plumped from a flat form to a large soft form. If they're plumped up, they are ready so that you can lay your head on them.
If it makes you feel any better, I encounter* the same confusion with perfective verbs in Russian. :)
* Yes, in cases like this, you need to use the verb "encounter", not "meet".
November 16, 2016
For me, I would say "I'm fluffing the pillows", but I have heard people say "plump up" the cushions or pillow. I've never heard anyone say "plump out" the pillows before. I think "plump up" and "fluff" mean the same thing. I hope this answered your question.
November 16, 2016
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Vika
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English, Russian, Spanish
Learning Language
Chinese (Mandarin), English
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