Phrasal verb
sit up
Meanings
to move into an upright sitting position, especially from lying down
to sit with a straighter posture, often because of attention or surprise
Definition
To sit up means to move into an upright sitting position, often from lying down or slouching.
To sit up is to raise your upper body so you are sitting straight, especially after lying down in bed or leaning back. People also sit up straighter to show attention, surprise, or better posture. It can describe a quick change in position or a deliberate effort to sit with a straight back.
Examples
- I sat up quickly when I heard the door open.
- You should sit up straight if your back is getting tired.
- He sat up in bed and looked around the dark room.
- She sat up when her name was called in the meeting.
- They sat up and listened closely to the announcement.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "sit up" when they mean "stand up"; "sit up" means becoming or sitting more upright, not rising to your feet.
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.