Question 1

What does UP mean in phrasal verbs?

Accepted Answer

The particle "up" adds several different meanings to phrasal verbs depending on the verb it combines with. The most common meanings are completion (eat up = finish eating, drink up = finish drinking), increase (speed up = go faster, turn up = make louder), and upward movement (stand up = rise to your feet, pick up = lift from below). Some phrasal verbs with "up" have meanings that are harder to guess, such as "make up" (invent a story) or "give up" (stop trying). The best way to learn these is in context rather than trying to memorise a single meaning for "up." Cambridge exams at A2 and B1 level often test the most common phrasal verbs with this particle.

Question 2

Are phrasal verbs with UP separable or inseparable?

Accepted Answer

Most phrasal verbs with "up" are separable. This means you can place the object between the verb and the particle: "Pick the toys up" or "Pick up the toys" — both are correct. The important rule is with pronouns: when the object is a pronoun (it, them, her, him), it must go between the verb and "up." For example, "Pick them up" is correct, but "Pick up them" is wrong. A few phrasal verbs with "up" are inseparable, such as "come up with" (think of an idea), where the particle cannot be separated from the verb. Practising with pronouns is the best way to master this rule.

Question 3

What are the most important phrasal verbs with UP to learn first?

Accepted Answer

For everyday English, start with these essential phrasal verbs: "wake up" (stop sleeping), "get up" (leave your bed), "stand up" (rise to your feet), "pick up" (collect or lift), "give up" (stop trying), "make up" (invent or become friends again), "turn up" (arrive or increase volume), and "tidy up" (clean and organise a space). These appear in daily conversation, at work, and in English exams. Once you know these, move on to less common ones like "bring up" (mention a topic or raise a child), "look up" (search for information), and "set up" (prepare or arrange). Learning five to ten phrasal verbs well is better than memorising a long list.

Phrasal Verbs with UP Exercises

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-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect

Reported Speech

Passive Voice

Past Simple