Phrasal verb
go up
Meanings
To increase (in level, amount, number, or price).
To move to a higher place, especially to another floor or up a slope.
To approach or go to someone or something (often to speak to them).
Definition
To go up means to increase or rise to a higher level or place.
If something goes up, it increases in amount, number, price, or level, or it rises to a higher position. People also use it to talk about moving upward, such as going upstairs or going up a hill. It is common in everyday speech for changes over time and physical movement.
Examples
- The temperature will go up in the afternoon.
- I went up to my neighbor and introduced myself.
- She went up the stairs to grab her jacket.
- They watched the balloons go up into the sky.
- Your voice goes up when you get excited.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "go up" (increase) with "grow up" (become an adult).
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.