up
/ʌp/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈʌp] /ʌp/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈʌp] /ˈəp/ (ame, mw) · /ʌp-/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈʌp] /ʌp-/ (ame, ipa)
up — verb
- uppresent simple I / you / we / they
- ups3rd person singular
- upping-ing form
- uppedpast simple
1. to make a price, amount, level, or rank higher than it was before
to make a price, amount, level, or rank higher than it was before
Daichi's boss told him they would up his salary after six months.
up + salary / amount of money
The restaurant upped its prices again, so we now eat at home more often.
After winning the tournament, the team upped their training to twice a day.
The government upped the tax on imported cars last year.
We need to up our game if we want to compete with the bigger companies.
文法句型
up + noun phrase
用法筆記
The object is typically a measurable thing such as a price, amount, level, rate, or quality. Often used in business and informal contexts.
常見錯誤
2. used before another verb to show that someone does something suddenly or unexpec
used before another verb to show that someone does something suddenly or unexpectedly, especially leaving a place or ending an activity
After ten years at the firm, Cyrus upped and left without telling anyone.
pattern: up and + verb of leaving
Gabriela upped and moved to Tokyo after getting a job offer there.
The cat upped and ran out the door the moment it opened.
The Watanabes upped and sold their house without even telling their children.
- suddenly leave
more explicit about the action; works in any register
- take off
informal phrasal verb with a similar sudden-departure meaning
文法句型
up + and + verb
用法筆記
Always used with 'and' followed by another verb — cannot be used alone. For example, 'He upped and left' is correct, but 'He upped to London' is not. This sense is informal and mainly used in British English.
常見錯誤
3. to lift or move something to a higher position
to lift or move something to a higher position
Nikhil upped the window to let some fresh air into the room.
up + object that moves (window, blind, shutter)
The movers upped the sofa onto the back of the truck.
Ada upped her bag onto the luggage rack above her seat.
The children upped their hands to answer the teacher's question.
Kwame upped the canoe onto his shoulders and carried it to the river.
文法句型
up + object + location phrase
用法筆記
More common in informal speech than in formal writing. In formal contexts, 'raise' or 'lift' are preferred. The object is usually a physical object such as a window, bag, or piece of furniture.
常見錯誤
up — noun
1. a period when things are going well, often used to describe the good times that
a period when things are going well, often used to describe the good times that alternate with difficulties in life or work
Every relationship has its ups and downs, but theirs grew stronger over time.
ups and downs — alternating good and bad periods
After her promotion to lead designer, Diya reminded herself to enjoy the ups instead of worrying about deadlines.
the ups = the good moments, contrasted with work pressure
The company is on the up after launching its new product line last spring.
Chef Omar called their Michelin star an up earned by the team's late nights perfecting every dish.
The housing market in the area has been on the up for nearly two years.
- success
a more general term; 'the up' is more informal and often used in fixed expressions
- prosperity
more formal and specifically about financial success; 'up' is broader
- high point
refers to a specific moment of success rather than a lasting period
用法筆記
Most commonly appears in the fixed phrase 'ups and downs' (good and bad times) and the chiefly British idiom 'on the up' (improving). When used alone as 'the ups', it contrasts with struggles or difficulties implied by context.
常見錯誤
2. a stronger or more favourable position that one person, team, or side holds comp
a stronger or more favourable position that one person, team, or side holds compared to another in a competition or conflict
The defending champions had the up from the moment they scored the first goal.
have the up — hold an advantage over opponents
Jin felt he had the up in the debate after preparing for three weeks.
Good connections in the industry can give you the up when applying for a job.
The team with more resources usually keeps the up in a long merger negotiation.
- advantage
more common and broader in usage; 'the up' is a fixed, idiomatic noun phrase
- upper hand
similar in meaning but more widely used; 'the up' is shorter and less formal
- edge
a slight or narrow advantage; 'the up' implies a clearer leading position
- disadvantage
the opposite of having a favourable position
- drawback
a feature that makes something less favourable
文法句型
the + up
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used with the definite article: 'the up'. It typically appears in sports, business, or competitive contexts. Frequently paired with verbs like 'have', 'get', 'gain', 'keep', or 'give'.
常見錯誤
3. a stretch of ground or a road surface that rises to a higher point
a stretch of ground or a road surface that rises to a higher point
The hiking trail begins with a steady up through a pine forest.
a steady up — a long, gradual slope
Beatrix had to stop twice to rest on the steep up before reaching the viewpoint.
Cyclists often struggle with the long up just before the finish line.
Sari said the rocky up on the map was the hardest part of their walk.
The road curves around the hill, with a sharp up right after the bridge.
- down
a section of ground that slopes to a lower level
文法句型
a + adjective + up
用法筆記
Typically modified by an adjective describing the steepness or length: 'a gentle up', 'a steep up', 'a long up', 'a sharp up'. This sense is more common in spoken English and route descriptions than in formal writing.
up — adjective
- uppositive
- uppercomparative
- uppestsuperlative
1. going from a lower place or position toward a higher one; used to describe an es
going from a lower place or position toward a higher one; used to describe an escalator, road, path, button, or side that leads or faces upward.
The up escalator was broken, so Trang had to take the stairs instead.
attributive before nouns: up escalator, up train, up button
Piotr pressed the up button and waited for the elevator to arrive.
The up road to the mountain village passes through several small farms.
Manuela studied the up side of the hill before choosing a climbing route.
The driver shifted into a lower gear on the steep up section of the road.
- down
the opposite direction; also an adjective before nouns like escalator
- descending
more formal than down
文法句型
up + noun (escalator, button, path, road, side)
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively before a noun (attributive position), unlike the adverb up which follows the verb. Common noun partners include escalator, train, button, road, path, side, slope.
常見錯誤
2. working normally and available for use; used especially for computers, websites,
working normally and available for use; used especially for computers, websites, networks, phones, and other electronic systems that are functioning as expected.
The hospital confirmed that all systems were up after the power cut ended.
be + up (predicative, describing system status)
Hassan checked twice whether the server was up before sending the file.
Our website is up and running again after the overnight upgrade finished.
"Is the network up yet?" the IT manager asked the technician.
Once the computer is up, you can log in with your new password.
- working
more general, can describe any device or system
- operational
more formal, used in technical or business contexts
- running
emphasizes active use, as in 'the engine is running'
文法句型
be + up (for systems, computers, networks)
be + up and running
用法筆記
This sense is used only after the verb be (predicative position). You cannot say 'an up computer.' The opposite is down (not working). The phrase up and running emphasizes that everything is working smoothly.
常見錯誤
3. feeling happy, cheerful, or in a good mood; used informally to describe someone
feeling happy, cheerful, or in a good mood; used informally to describe someone whose spirits are noticeably high.
After hearing the good news, Nila felt up for the rest of the afternoon.
feel + up (predicative, informal mood)
The whole chess club was up after winning the city championship trophy.
Despite the cold rain, Elena remained up and cheerful all day long.
Seeing her childhood friends again made Beatrix feel truly up and happy.
"Why are you so up this morning?" Dario asked with a wide grin.
文法句型
be + up
feel + up
keep + up
用法筆記
Informal and used after be or feel (predicative only). Not used before a noun — you cannot say 'an up person.' More common in British English than American English. Frequently appears with a reason or explanation nearby.
常見錯誤
4. ahead of the opposing side in a game or match, as shown by a higher total on the
ahead of the opposing side in a game or match, as shown by a higher total on the scoreboard or a greater number of runs, goals, or points.
With only two minutes left, the home team was up by a single point.
be + up + by + [number] + [unit]
In the final set, Selim was up five games to three against the top seed.
be + up + [score] + to + [score]
The scoreboard showed that the visitors were up four goals to one early on.
Being up by two runs in the final inning gave the pitcher confidence.
Ryo looked at the scoreboard and saw his team was up by twelve points.
文法句型
be + up (in games, competitions, scores)
用法筆記
Predicative only — used after be and cannot go before a noun. Usually followed by a specific score or a number indicating the margin ('up by three,' 'up two to one'). Common in sports commentary and informal conversation about games.
常見錯誤
up — adverb
1. toward a spot or level above the current one; also describes numbers, prices, or
toward a spot or level above the current one; also describes numbers, prices, or temperatures becoming larger.
Zayd climbed up the ladder carefully to reach the roof tiles that had cracked.
climb up for physical movement upward
The price of rice went up by ten percent since the start of this year.
go up for abstract increase in price
Élise looked up from her book when she heard her mother call her name.
Temperatures in the city went up to thirty-eight degrees during last week's terrible heatwave.
Hui held the balloon up so the little girl could grab the string.
- down
opposite direction towards a lower place or level
用法筆記
The most common adverbial sense of 'up'. Use with movement verbs like 'climb', 'go', 'come', 'look' for physical upward direction, or with change-of-state verbs like 'go up' for abstract increases in price, temperature, or level.
2. from below the earth or through the surface of water, so that something hidden o
from below the earth or through the surface of water, so that something hidden or buried can be seen.
The first green shoots came up in the garden after the spring rain.
come up for emergence from soil
A strange bubble rose up to the surface of the lake near the fishing boat.
The gardener watched the tulip bulbs push up through the soil in early March.
When the diver came up for air, the boat was already far away.
- down
opposite direction into the ground or under the surface
用法筆記
Common with verbs of emergence such as 'come up', 'grow up', 'push up'. The subject is typically a plant, object, or person moving from below a surface to above it.
常見錯誤
3. first going higher and then going lower, repeating this movement over and over i
first going higher and then going lower, repeating this movement over and over in a vertical direction.
The kids jumped up and down on the bed until dad told them to stop.
jump up and down for repeated vertical motion
Nellie watched the boat bob up and down on the rough waves of the sea.
bob up and down for floating vertical movement
The elevator went up and down all morning because many people needed to use it.
Zuri's head moved up and down as she nodded to the music in the car.
- to and fro
describes horizontal back-and-forth movement, not vertical
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'up and down' when describing repeated vertical motion. The direction alternates between higher and lower positions in a continuous cycle.
4. into a standing or upright position, not lying flat or resting on its side.
into a standing or upright position, not lying flat or resting on its side.
Faisal stood up from his chair and walked quietly towards the classroom door.
stand up for rising to vertical body position
Please sit up straight so the doctor can check your back properly.
sit up for moving from reclining to upright sitting
Camille hung the painting up on the wall above the wooden bookshelf.
The cat's fur stood up when it saw the neighbour's dog in the garden.
During the hot summer wedding, Harper tied her long curly hair up in a silk scarf to stay cool.
- down
into a lying, sitting, or lowered position
用法筆記
Common with verbs of body position like 'stand up', 'sit up', 'get up'. Also used with objects being placed or fixed in an upright orientation, such as 'hang up', 'put up', 'pin up'.
常見錯誤
5. at a high location, especially near the top of a building, hill, or other tall t
at a high location, especially near the top of a building, hill, or other tall thing that has little or nothing above it.
The old castle sits up on the hill with a view across the whole town.
up on for a high location
Megan lives three floors up in a bright apartment with large windows.
Valentina keeps her winter clothes up in the attic during the hot summer months.
The bedroom is up on the top floor with windows facing the park.
- below
in a lower position
- downstairs
on a lower floor or level
用法筆記
Often followed by a location phrase using 'in' or 'on' to specify where. Describes a static position at height rather than movement towards it.
6. very close or near to a person, place, or thing, often used in short adverb phra
very close or near to a person, place, or thing, often used in short adverb phrases that mean moving towards and stopping next to someone or something.
A tall stranger walked up to the desk and asked for directions to the museum.
walk up to for approaching a person or place
Anong came up behind her brother and gently tapped him on the shoulder.
come up behind for approaching from the rear
The taxi pulled up outside the hotel just as it began to rain heavily.
Eli ran up to his teammate and gave him a hug after winning the match.
- away
moving or staying at a distance from something
用法筆記
Common with movement verbs like 'come up', 'walk up', 'drive up', 'run up' to describe approaching a target and stopping nearby. The target is specified by 'to', 'behind', or 'outside'.
7. in such a way that something becomes stronger, louder, faster, or more intense t
in such a way that something becomes stronger, louder, faster, or more intense than before
Ravindra turned the music up so the whole house could hear it.
turn + up = increase volume
The factory plans to speed up production before the holiday season.
speed up = increase rate
As the storm approached, the wind really picked up during the night.
Could Paul speak up a little? His colleagues cannot hear him from the back.
Beatrix stepped up her marathon training after the doctor gave the okay.
- down
opposite direction in phrasal combinations like 'turn down'
文法句型
verb + up (as particle)
用法筆記
Frequently combines with verbs of action such as turn, speed, pick, speak, and step to form phrasal meanings of increase.
常見錯誤
8. used to say that a level, amount, speed, rate, or total has become higher than b
used to say that a level, amount, speed, rate, or total has become higher than before
Sales figures are up by 12 percent this quarter, which delighted the team.
be up + by-phrase = amount of increase
The summer temperature in Kaohsiung is up to 38 degrees today.
The price of cooking oil is up again because of the poor soybean harvest.
My blood pressure is up this month, so the nurse advised more exercise.
- down
opposite direction for levels and amounts
文法句型
be + up + (by/to-phrase)
用法筆記
Usually appears after the verb 'be' in the pattern 'be up', often followed by a 'by'-phrase showing the amount or a 'to'-phrase showing the new level.
常見錯誤
9. not in bed; awake and out of bed after sleeping
not in bed; awake and out of bed after sleeping
The children were still up at midnight watching cartoons on television.
be up = not in bed
I am usually up before the sun rises to go for a run.
Sofie stayed up all night finishing her history research paper.
Esteban was already up and dressed when the taxi arrived at six.
Are you still up? I need to talk to you about tomorrow's plan.
- awake
focuses on not sleeping rather than leaving bed
- out of bed
more literal and explicit
文法句型
be + up
stay + up
10. feeling strong enough to leave one's bed and resume some daily activities after
feeling strong enough to leave one's bed and resume some daily activities after being unwell
Grandpa has been up and about for a few days after his surgery.
up and about = recovering and moving around
The doctor says you can get up tomorrow if your fever is gone.
It took Emily two whole weeks to be up and walking after the flu.
Roya is still quite weak, but she is up for short periods each day.
- recovering
focuses on the healing process rather than leaving bed
- on the mend
informal idiom for recovering health
- bedridden
unable to leave bed due to illness
文法句型
be + up + (and about/around)
用法筆記
Often appears in the paired phrases 'up and about' or 'up and around' to describe gradual recovery after illness or surgery.
11. into existence, view, attention, or practical use; so that something appears, is
into existence, view, attention, or practical use; so that something appears, is noticed, or becomes available
New apartment buildings are going up all over the Hsinchu area.
go up = be built or constructed
The question of who should lead the project came up during the meeting.
come up = be mentioned or arise
A strange smell came up from the basement after the heavy rain.
We need to set up an online system for tracking customer orders.
Some interesting opportunities have cropped up since she joined the firm.
- disappear
cease to exist or be visible
文法句型
verb + up (to show appearance)
12. so as to reach or match the same standard, level, or degree in skill, understand
so as to reach or match the same standard, level, or degree in skill, understanding, or accomplishment as something or someone else
Ravindra works hard to keep his skills up to the industry standard.
keep up to [standard] = maintain required level
After extra tutoring sessions, Bao's math level is up to the class average.
The hotel needs to bring its service up to what guests expect.
Ilan stayed late to catch up on the work he missed while on leave.
- below
not reaching the required standard
文法句型
be + up + to + [standard/level]
catch + up + with/to
用法筆記
Commonly follows the pattern 'up to [a standard/level]' or combines with verbs like keep, catch, and bring to indicate reaching equivalence.
常見錯誤
13. in a way that puts things into one collection, group, or total — used after verb
in a way that puts things into one collection, group, or total — used after verbs like add, gather, pile, save, and stack to show that things are being brought together.
Hari saved up enough money to buy a used scooter for his daily commute.
collocation: save up for a purchase
The children gathered the fallen leaves up and dumped them into a large compost bin.
verb-object split: gathered the leaves up
Please add up all the numbers on this receipt to check the total.
Dirty dishes were piling up in the sink because nobody had time to wash them.
Rin stacked the textbooks up neatly on the shelf after finishing her homework.
- together
more general; 'up' adds a sense of completion to the gathering
- collectively
formal register; 'up' is informal and phrasal
- apart
opposite direction: things being separated rather than gathered
文法句型
verb + up (gather up, add up, pile up)
用法筆記
This sense combines with many verbs to show accumulation or collection. The object can come before or after 'up' with most of these verbs (e.g. 'gathered the leaves up' or 'gathered up the leaves').
常見錯誤
14. in a way that closes, fastens, or secures something completely so that it cannot
in a way that closes, fastens, or secures something completely so that it cannot open, come loose, or be lost — used after verbs like tie, wrap, seal, lock, and zip.
Make sure you tie up the garbage bag tightly before taking it outside.
collocation: tie up (secure closed)
Élise wrapped up the birthday gift with colourful paper and a silk ribbon.
collocation: wrap up (enclose securely)
Otis sealed up the envelope and dropped it in the mailbox before work.
The shopkeeper locked up the store at nine o'clock every evening.
Sivan fastened the ropes up so the boxes would not shift during the move.
- loose
opposite state: not fastened or secured
文法句型
verb + up (tie up, wrap up, seal up, lock up)
用法筆記
Like sense 13, this sense combines with many verbs of securing. The object can appear between the verb and 'up' or after both (e.g. 'tie the bag up' or 'tie up the bag'). Both orders are natural.
15. into smaller sections, pieces, or fragments — used after verbs like cut, chop, t
into smaller sections, pieces, or fragments — used after verbs like cut, chop, tear, break, and split to show that something is being divided.
Antonia cut up the carrots and bell peppers while the rice was cooking.
collocation: cut up (chop into pieces)
The old bank statements were torn up and thrown into the recycling bin.
passive: torn up (destroyed into pieces)
Kwame chopped up some firewood with an axe before the first snow of winter arrived.
The children broke the chocolate bar up so that every friend could have a piece.
A loud crack split the old wooden plank up right down the middle.
- into pieces
explanatory paraphrase; less natural as a phrasal verb
- apart
similar meaning but used with different verbs (e.g. 'take apart' not 'take up')
- together
opposite: assembled rather than divided
文法句型
verb + up (cut up, chop up, tear up, break up)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 13 (TOGETHER): this sense indicates division rather than collection. The same verb can change meaning — 'break up a bar of chocolate' (into pieces) vs. 'break up a meeting' (end).
常見錯誤
16. toward a later stage of life — used after 'grow' to describe someone becoming ol
toward a later stage of life — used after 'grow' to describe someone becoming older, and after 'bring' to describe raising a child.
Zayd grew up in a coastal fishing village and learned to sail at age seven.
collocation: grow up (become adult)
Putri was brought up by her grandparents after her parents moved abroad for work.
passive: was brought up (raised by caregivers)
The twins grew up so fast that last year's uniforms no longer fit.
Brooke grew up in a household where every Sunday was reserved for family meals.
- mature
more formal; 'grow up' is the everyday spoken form
- stay young
opposite concept, though not used as a phrasal verb
文法句型
grow up
bring up
用法筆記
Only used with a small set of verbs: 'grow up' (become an adult) and 'bring up' (raise a child). 'Grow up' is intransitive; 'bring up' takes a direct object (the child).
常見錯誤
17. used after 'be' in informal questions to ask what is currently happening in a ne
used after 'be' in informal questions to ask what is currently happening in a neutral, open-ended way — a general inquiry about any ongoing situation, event, or development, without assuming anything is wrong.
What's up, Christopher? You have not called me in nearly a month.
informal greeting: What's up?
I could tell something was up when the entire staff gathered in the meeting room.
pattern: something was up (a situation exists)
What's up with the Wi-Fi today? It keeps disconnecting every few minutes.
David asked his roommate what was up after hearing loud music from next door.
文法句型
what + be + up
something + be + up
用法筆記
This is an informal, everyday expression. 'What's up?' can function as a greeting (like sense 19, from another chunk) or as a genuine question about a situation. The tone and context determine which meaning is intended.
常見錯誤
18. used after 'be' in informal questions to ask specifically about a problem, diffi
used after 'be' in informal questions to ask specifically about a problem, difficulty, or troubling situation that seems to be affecting a person, thing, or system — unlike sense 17, this one assumes something may be wrong.
You look really upset — what's up? Did something bad happen at school?
pattern: what's up (asking about distress)
Emma asked her father what was up when she saw him pacing in the kitchen.
reported question: what was up (trouble)
The mechanic knew something was up with the engine just from the sound it made.
Joshua knew something was up when his dog hid under the bed and would not move.
- wrong
direct synonym; 'What's wrong?' is more explicit about trouble
- the matter
slightly more formal; 'What's the matter?'
- bothering
asks about emotional distress specifically
文法句型
what + be + up (with someone/something)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 17 (WHAT'S HAPPENING): sense 17 asks about a situation generally, while this sense focuses specifically on the possibility that something is wrong, bad, or malfunctioning. The context usually involves concern or negative signals.
19. used as a fixed greeting phrase to say hello in a friendly, informal way — does
used as a fixed greeting phrase to say hello in a friendly, informal way — does not ask about any actual situation or problem, and the expected reply is a brief greeting such as 'Not much' or 'Hey' rather than a description of events.
Lukas called his old friend and said, "Hey, what's up? It's been so long."
"what's up" as a casual greeting phrase
Anjali walked into the office kitchen and said, "What's up, everyone?" with a big smile.
Camila texted her younger sister: "What's up? Want to grab lunch today?"
When Walid saw his neighbour in the hallway, he smiled and simply said, "What's up?"
- how's it going
equally informal but focuses on life in general rather than current activity
- what's happening
slightly less common; same register and function
- sup
very casual shortening of 'what's up'; mainly used in text messages
用法筆記
Nearly always appears in the fixed phrase 'What's up?', used as an informal equivalent of 'Hello, how are you?'. Unlike 'What's wrong?', this greeting does not expect a confession of problems — a short reply like 'Not much' is standard.
常見錯誤
20. used in informal questions when something seems odd, unclear, or unexpected and
used in informal questions when something seems odd, unclear, or unexpected and the speaker wants to know why, often in forms like 'What's up with ... ?' Unlike sense 18, it shows confusion rather than concern.
Christopher's laptop screen went black, and he asked, "What's up with this computer?"
"what's up with" for asking about a problem or confusion
The restaurant sat empty on a Friday night, and Sivan asked what was up.
Nkechi looked at the strange message on her phone and thought, "What's up with this?"
Daichi pointed at the broken classroom window and quietly asked the teacher what was up.
- what's going on
broader; can ask about events without implying confusion
- what's the matter
focuses specifically on problems or trouble, not general explanation
- what's wrong
more direct about there being a problem; less neutral than 'what's up'
用法筆記
Commonly uses the pattern 'What's up with + [noun phrase]?' to request an explanation. Unlike sense 19 (CASUAL GREETING), this sense genuinely asks for information about a problem or unusual situation.
常見錯誤
21. used to say that the time allowed for something has run out completely and canno
used to say that the time allowed for something has run out completely and cannot continue.
Daichi's lunch break was up, so he grabbed his helmet and went back to work.
time [possessive] is up for a period ending
Hannah told the children that their playtime was up and it was time for bed.
When the thirty-minute exam was up, Reuben handed in his paper with a relieved smile.
The parking meter showed that their hour was up, so they quickly moved the car.
Christopher glanced at the clock and realised his ten-minute break was already up.
- not yet up
descriptive phrase; there is no single antonym
用法筆記
Subject is always a period of time (break, hour, time, week, month, etc.). Never used with objects, food, or other non-temporal nouns — those belong to sense 23 (END). Often appears in the fixed expression 'Time's up!' to announce the end of an activity.
常見錯誤
22. so that someone or something moves into a better position, state, or level of ac
so that someone or something moves into a better position, state, or level of achievement than before.
After months of hard work, Lakan's grades moved up to the top of the class.
"move up" for advancing to a better level or rank
The local company's profits are looking up now that exports have doubled this year.
"look up" for a situation improving
Nkechi took evening classes to bring her English skills up to a professional standard.
The team's performance picked up after they hired a more experienced coach.
Hannah's health looked up once the doctors found the right treatment for her condition.
用法筆記
Common with phrasal verbs like 'look up' (situation improves), 'move up' (rank or level rises), 'pick up' (performance gets better), 'bring up' (raise to a standard), and 'step up' (increase effort or quality). The improvement can be in skill, rank, health, quality, or general conditions.
23. into a state where something is completely finished, used, eaten, or gone, with
into a state where something is completely finished, used, eaten, or gone, with nothing remaining.
The hungry children ate up all the cookies before their mother got home from work.
"eat up" for consuming all of something
Sivan used up every drop of paint finishing her art project for the school exhibition.
"use up" for exhausting a supply completely
Camila drank up the last of her water and found a tap to refill it.
The old motorcycle burned up all its oil on the long mountain drive.
Walid cut up the leftover cardboard boxes and put the pieces in the recycling bin.
- completely
more formal; 'up' adds a sense of finality that 'completely' may lack
- entirely
focuses on the wholeness of the consumption rather than the endpoint
- totally
informal; interchangeable in most verb + up combinations
用法筆記
Functions as an intensifier indicating completeness or exhaustion. Contrast with sense 21 (FINISHED): sense 21 applies only to time periods ('time is up'), whereas this sense applies to physical objects, supplies, and tasks ('eat up', 'use up', 'drink up', 'burn up', 'clean up').
常見錯誤
24. towards the north or to a place that lies further north than your current positi
towards the north or to a place that lies further north than your current position.
Every summer the family drives up to Scotland to visit relatives near the coast.
"up to" for travelling northward to a region
Reuben moved up north where rent prices are much lower than in the capital.
The train heading up from Taipei to Keelung takes about forty minutes.
Lukas followed the river up into the hills where the water was clean and clear.
- down
towards the south ('go down south for the winter')
用法筆記
Often paired with 'north' for clarity ('up north', 'further up north'). In British English, 'up to London' or 'up to town' uses a different sense of 'up' (toward an important centre — see DIRECTION sense 25). This sense is strictly about the cardinal direction north.
常見錯誤
25. going or moving to a more important location, such as a large city or the centra
going or moving to a more important location, such as a large city or the central area of a town or region
Christopher drove up to London for the weekend to visit his brother.
up to [city] for [purpose]
Many young people move up to the capital looking for better jobs and schools.
move up to [major city]
The train travelling up to Taipei was delayed by nearly an hour.
We took the bus up to the main market in the city centre this morning.
Her family went up to the big town for the harvest festival last autumn.
- towards
more neutral direction without the 'important place' implication
- down
used for movement away from a major city or centre
用法筆記
Typically paired with 'to' followed by a city name or central location. Contrasts with sense 24 (NORTHWARD), which refers specifically to northern direction rather than urban importance.
常見錯誤
26. proposed, offered, or being considered as a candidate or option for a particular
proposed, offered, or being considered as a candidate or option for a particular role, purpose, or transaction
The old church is up for sale after being empty for five years.
be up for sale / up for auction
Shirin was put up for the position of head librarian at the annual meeting.
put [someone] up for [role]
Three candidates were up for election to the local council this year.
That rare painting by Constanza's grandmother is up for auction next week.
The land next to the park is up for development as a new school.
用法筆記
Follows the pattern 'be up for [noun]' or 'put someone up for [noun]'. Commonly used with 'sale', 'auction', 'election', 'consideration', and 'nomination'.
27. ready and keen to join in a specific activity, event, or experience
ready and keen to join in a specific activity, event, or experience
The children were up for a game of football after school finished.
be up for [activity] — keen to participate
Soraya said she was up for trying the new Thai restaurant on Elm Street.
We asked if anyone was up for a hike up the mountain trail this weekend.
Many volunteers were up for helping with the beach clean-up on Saturday.
Nicholas is always up for a challenge when it comes to solving puzzles.
- against
expresses opposition rather than willingness
用法筆記
Almost always used in the pattern 'be up for [noun/gerund]'. Common in informal conversation. Typically describes willingness for leisure activities, food, or challenges rather than serious obligations.
28. appearing in a court of law or before an official body to have a case or complai
appearing in a court of law or before an official body to have a case or complaint formally judged
The suspect was up before the judge on charges of theft at nine o'clock.
be up before [judge/authority]
Élise will be up in court next Monday for the first hearing of her case.
The company is up before the commission for safety violations at the factory.
Two lawyers argued the evidence while she was up for trial this afternoon.
The accused was up in front of the magistrate to answer the charges.
- on trial
more formal and widely understood; 'up' is more idiomatic
用法筆記
Typically follows 'be up before [authority]', 'be up in court', or 'be up for trial'. The subject is always the person or entity being judged, not the judge or court.
29. describing a road or other surface that is not usable because repair or construc
describing a road or other surface that is not usable because repair or construction is being carried out on it
The main road is up for repairs, so drivers should use the side streets instead.
road is up for [reason]
Part of the highway was up for two weeks after the bad storm damaged it.
The lane outside the school is up and will stay closed until Friday afternoon.
Large signs warned that the bridge was up and traffic was being sent another way.
The street was up while workers fixed the broken water pipes under the ground.
- closed
broader meaning — 'up' specifically implies ongoing repair work
用法筆記
Primarily British English. The subject is always a road, street, lane, or similar surface. The verb is always 'be' — 'the road is up', 'the road was up', etc.
30. describing long hair that is tied, pinned, or arranged above the shoulders rathe
describing long hair that is tied, pinned, or arranged above the shoulders rather than hanging loose
Gita wore her hair up in a neat bun for the formal dinner party.
wear [one's] hair up in [style]
Putri pinned her hair up to keep it cool during the long hot day.
pin / put [one's] hair up
The ballet dancer always puts her hair up before going on stage to perform.
Mei-Lin brushed her long black hair and then put it up with a silver clip.
Talia likes to wear her hair up when she runs in the park.
- down
opposite meaning — hair hanging loose rather than fastened
用法筆記
Always used with a possessive determiner ('my hair', 'her hair', etc.) as the object of verbs like 'wear', 'put', or 'pin'. Describes the style of the whole hairstyle, not individual strands.
31. used to say which person or thing is next in a planned order — about to play, sp
used to say which person or thing is next in a planned order — about to play, speak, perform, be judged, or be discussed
Who is up next to give their talk at the team meeting?
be up next + to-infinitive for scheduled order
Your name is up next on the list, so please stay close.
The new road plan is up for discussion at the town hall tonight.
Élise knew she would be up before the head teacher to explain her side.
Shanti looked at the board to find out which jobs were up next.
用法筆記
Distinguish from senses 17–19 (HAPPENING OR WRONG): this sense is about ORDER and SEQUENCE — who or what comes next in a schedule — not about a state or condition ('what's going on'). Frequent in meeting, sports, performance, and legal scheduling contexts.
常見錯誤
up — prefix
1. used at the start of a word to mean 'higher in position, amount, or quality', or
used at the start of a word to mean 'higher in position, amount, or quality', or 'in a better or more advanced state' — for example, upgrading a phone to a newer model, or feeling upbeat about a new job.
The school plans to upgrade its library with new computers and books.
upgrade = move to a higher/better version
Élise found the uphill path to the temple steep but beautiful.
uphill = going towards a higher position
A local group was set up to uplift families living in poverty.
Joshua's upbeat mood made the long car journey much more enjoyable.
The software update fixed several bugs and added new features.
- down-
suggests a lower position or decrease (downgrade, downhill)
文法句型
up- + [verb]
up- + [adjective]
用法筆記
Forms productively with verbs (upgrade, uplift, update, uphold) and adjectives (uphill, upward, upbeat). The resulting word's CEFR level may differ from the prefix itself.
常見錯誤
up — preposition
1. moving or placed at a more elevated position within or on top of something
moving or placed at a more elevated position within or on top of something
Jabari climbed up the rope to reach the treehouse his father built.
climbed up + [object] for upward movement
The trail goes steeply up the mountain behind the old village.
Élise carried her suitcase up three flights of stairs by herself.
We watched the hot air balloon rise up the clear blue sky above us.
Joaquín walked carefully up the ladder to clean the gutters.
- down
indicates movement toward a lower position, the opposite direction
2. at or near the highest part of something; toward the upper end of a surface or o
at or near the highest part of something; toward the upper end of a surface or object
Jisoo wrote the title up the page in large red capital letters.
write + up + the page (upper end of a surface)
There is a small crack up the wall where it meets the ceiling.
Sivan felt a sharp pain up her arm after playing tennis for hours.
The bird's nest sat up the tree in a fork of two thick branches.
Aarav hung the painting up the wall directly above the fireplace.
- bottom
indicates the lowest part, opposite of the upper end
用法筆記
This sense differs from sense 1 (HIGHER) by focusing on the final position at the top or upper end, rather than the act of moving upward.
3. moving farther along a road, path, or route away from where you started
moving farther along a road, path, or route away from where you started
The hikers walked up the road until they reached the old stone church.
Theo ran up the path to catch up with his friends before them.
The post office is just up the street on the left-hand side.
We drove up the coast road with all the windows rolled down.
Emre walked up the driveway to collect the morning newspaper.
- along
less directional, simply follows the length of something without implying distance from start point
用法筆記
Commonly used with road-related nouns (street, road, path, driveway, lane). Contrasts with 'down' which can indicate moving away (down the street) — in many dialects, 'up' and 'down' a street are interchangeable for this sense.
4. moving along, across, or over a flat surface, without implying any particular di
moving along, across, or over a flat surface, without implying any particular direction or destination
Joaquín paced up the hallway while waiting for the doctor.
Dahlia slid her hand up the smooth banister as she walked down the stairs.
slide + up + [surface] for movement along a surface
The children slid their toy cars up the wooden floor during playtime.
Tunde ran his fingers up the guitar fretboard to check each string's tuning.
The cat crept slowly up the sofa cushion, watching the bird outside the window.
用法筆記
The object is usually a flat surface or open area such as a hallway, wall, floor, shelf, field, or rug. Distinguish from preposition/3 (ALONG), which is used with roads, paths, and routes — this sense is for movement across a general surface area rather than along a defined path.
5. moving toward the origin of a waterway such as a river, heading away from where
moving toward the origin of a waterway such as a river, heading away from where it meets the sea
The explorers sailed up the river to find its source in the mountains.
sail + up the river (toward origin)
Linh followed the stream up the valley to where the trout spawn.
We travelled up the Mekong River by boat for three full days.
The path leads up the creek through the forest toward the waterfall.
Fishermen rowed their small boat up the stream at sunrise.
- upstream
more specific and technical; functions as an adverb rather than a preposition
- down
used with river nouns to mean toward the mouth or sea
用法筆記
Nearly always used with watercourse nouns (river, stream, creek). The opposite direction would be 'down the river' (toward the mouth or sea).
6. in informal British English, going to or arriving at a nearby local place such a
in informal British English, going to or arriving at a nearby local place such as a shop, library, cafe, or building — distinguished from adverb sense 25 (DIRECTION), which refers to travelling to an important city or centre; this preposition sense is for short, everyday local errands.
Christopher went up the shop to buy some milk for breakfast.
go + up + [shop/place] (informal British)
Is anyone going up the town centre later this afternoon?
Zuri walked up the library after school to meet her study group.
Theo's father went up the post office to collect a package.
The nurses went up the hospital cafe for a quick coffee break.
- to
standard neutral preposition; lacks the regional/dialectal flavour
用法筆記
Primarily used in informal British English, especially Northern dialects. In American English, 'up to' (two words) would be used instead of 'up' alone in this sense.