Phrasal verbs with up
Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions that you can find in any informal conversation with native English speakers. How are phrasal verbs formed? They consist of a verb plus a preposition or adverb. Within the extensive list of phrasal verbs we can find various prepositions, including the preposition up.
Why it is essential to learn phrasal verbs with up
Knowing grammar thoroughly is one of the most important points to consider to successfully learn a language. Phrasal verbs are an important part of English grammar, so it is essential to know their meanings and how to apply them correctly.
Up is one of the most used prepositions and adverbs in phrasal or compound verbs. Being a preposition, it always follows the verb. However, although this preposition and adverb generally means up, high, upwards, when it is part of a phrasal verb this meaning changes.
Types of uses of phrasal verbs with up
Phrasal verbs with up, like all phrasal verbs, are used in spoken language and informal contexts and generally should be avoided in written communications and formal situations.
An important thing to always remember is that the list of compound verbs with up is quite extensive and you can’t assume you will know all the meanings. This is achieved with practice, a little curiosity, and exposure to the language. Below we provide some examples of phrasal verbs with up so you can get an idea of the variety of meanings:
Take up (to start)
Make up (to invent, to lie about something)
Look up (to find, to search)
Show up (to arrive)
End up (to eventually do something, to decide)
Examples of sentences with phrasal verbs with up
Phrasal verb give up
Give up conjugated in simple past
‘I gave up smoking last month.’ (‘I quit smoking last month’).
Phrasal verb go up
Go up conjugated in simple present
‘The prices go up every day.’ (‘Prices go up every day’).
Phrasal verb get up
Get up conjugated in future
‘Next weekend I am going to get up late.’ (‘Next weekend I am going to get up late’).
Other Phrasal Verbs:
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