Phrasal verbs with UP

by | 9 Oct 2021 | Business English, General English, Grammar

UP in phrasal verbs can mean a number of things. Remember, phrasal verbs are a combination of words such as a verb and an article which together provide a meaning which is different to the individual words.  

 

UP can mean an upward movement or increase

 

 

Turn up the radio please as I cannot hear it! [increase the volume]

To push up our sales, we will have to start thinking of a new strategy. [increase sales]

Please, do not stand up, it is not necessary. [change position from sitting to standing]

Speak up, I can’t hear you! [increase speaking volume or say something rather than be quiet]

Listen up, this is what we have to do! [pay attention and listen]

 

UP can mean very much or fully

 

 

Wow, the restaurant is full up, we better go somewhere else. [full of people; probably no room for more]

You know the rules, if we are going out, we must dress up. [get dressed in special clothes]

After cooking tonight’s meal, I used up all the tomatoes. [completely finished]

Please clear up when you have finished. [make the place clean]

We are going to have to sum up events in pour meeting later. [summarise]

 

UP can have no specific meaning 

 

They rang up the theatre first to see if there were any seats left. [called on the phone]

Nobody will look up English schools in a directory anymore. [search a book or on the internet]

She knew that she had to think up ways to fix the network before our clients noticed. [use thought to create something useful]

How would we break up the company with so many employees working in one place? [to reduce into smaller components]

 

______________________________

 

Online English classes by a qualified teacher.

Individual and group classes.

All levels.

Book your class today.

Contact us to discuss classes.

 

 

To Book A Free Trial ClassContact Us