Phrasal verb
get up
Meanings
to rise from bed, especially in the morning
to stand after sitting or lying down
to organize or prepare something (often an event or performance)
Definition
Get up means to rise from bed or from a sitting or lying position.
If you get up, you move from lying or sitting to standing, often when you leave your bed in the morning. It can also mean that you stand up after sitting down. In everyday speech, it frequently refers to waking and starting your day.
Examples
- I get up at six when I have an early class.
- She got up from the bench and waved goodbye.
- They get up before dawn to catch the first train.
- He got up a small surprise party for his friend.
- You should get up and stretch after sitting so long.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "get up" (rise/stand) with "wake up" (stop sleeping) and use the wrong one for morning routines.
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.