Phrasal verb
step up
Meanings
to increase effort, activity, or the amount/level of something
to take responsibility or become involved when needed
Definition
To step up means to increase your effort, involvement, or the level of something.
To step up means to do more than before, often because a situation demands it. You can step up your effort, support, or activity, or step up to a new responsibility or role. It is commonly used when someone becomes more active, helpful, or committed.
Examples
- I need to step up if I want to finish this project on time.
- You should step up and help your teammate during the busy shift.
- She stepped up when the organizer canceled at the last minute.
- They stepped up their training before the tournament.
Common mistake
Learners often use the wrong preposition (e.g., say "step on" instead of "step up") when they mean to increase effort or take responsibility.
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.