Phrasal verb
be up
Meanings
to be awake and out of bed
to be going to happen soon
to be someone’s responsibility or choice to decide
Definition
“Be up” most commonly means to be awake and out of bed.
“Be up” is used to say someone is awake and has gotten out of bed. It can also mean that something will happen soon, or that a particular responsibility or choice is for someone to decide. The meaning is usually clear from the context.
Examples
- I’m up early to catch the first train.
- Are you up yet, or should I call back later?
- He was up all night finishing his presentation.
- She’s already up, making breakfast for everyone.
- They’re up next, so they’re warming up backstage.
Common mistake
Learners often say “I am up at 7” when they mean “I get up at 7” (habit), not that they are awake at that exact moment.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.