English Phrasal Verbs With “up”

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English vocabulary, especially in spoken and informal contexts. They consist of a verb and a particle (like “up”), which together create a meaning different from the original verb. Below is a comprehensive list of common phrasal verbs with “up,” along with their meanings, examples, and exercises to test your understanding.

1. Bring up

Meaning: To mention a topic or raise a child.

She brought up an interesting point during the meeting.
He was brought up by his grandparents.
Don’t bring up the past; it’s a sensitive topic.

2. Cheer up

Meaning: To become happier or to make someone happier.

I tried to cheer her up after she failed the exam.
He cheered up when he heard the good news.
Watching a funny movie always cheers me up.

3. Clean up

Meaning: To tidy or make something clean.

We need to clean up the house before the guests arrive.
She cleaned up her room in just 10 minutes.
The city organized a campaign to clean up the park.

4. Dress up

Meaning: To wear formal or fancy clothes.

They dressed up for the wedding.
Kids love to dress up as superheroes on Halloween.
Do we need to dress up for the party?

5. Give up

Meaning: To stop doing something or surrender.

He gave up smoking last year.
Don’t give up on your dreams!
The suspect gave up after hours of negotiation.

6. Grow up

Meaning: To mature or become an adult.

She grew up in a small village.
When I grow up, I want to be a doctor.
He needs to grow up and take responsibility.

7. Hang up

Meaning: To end a phone call or suspend something.

She hung up the phone angrily.
Don’t hang up—I have one more question!
He hung up his coat on the rack.

8. Look up

Meaning: To search for information or admire someone.

I had to look up the word in the dictionary.
She looks up to her older sister.
Can you look up the train schedule for me?

9. Make up

Meaning: To invent a story or reconcile after a fight.

He made up an excuse for being late.
They made up after their argument.
She loves to make up stories for her kids.

10. Pick up

Meaning: To lift something or improve.

Can you pick up the groceries on your way home?
Business is finally picking up this season.
He picked up Spanish while living in Mexico.

11. Set up

Meaning: To arrange or establish something.

They set up a new business last year.
Can you help me set up the meeting room?
The police set up a checkpoint on the highway.

12. Show up

Meaning: To arrive or appear.

He didn’t show up for the appointment.
She always shows up late to parties.
The stain showed up after washing the shirt.

13. Turn up

Meaning: To increase volume or appear unexpectedly.

Can you turn up the music? I can’t hear it.
My lost keys finally turned up in the drawer.
The temperature is expected to turn up next week.

14. Wake up

Meaning: To stop sleeping.

I usually wake up at 6 AM.
She woke up to the sound of rain.
Don’t forget to wake me up early tomorrow.

15. Warm up

Meaning: To prepare for exercise or become friendlier.

Athletes always warm up before a match.
The soup will warm you up on a cold day.
After a few minutes, the new student warmed up to the class.

Exercises

Test your understanding of phrasal verbs with “up” by completing the following exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete each sentence.

She _____ her children to be polite and respectful. (brought up / turned up)
Can you _____ the volume? I can’t hear the movie. (turn up / wake up)
He _____ his jacket before leaving the restaurant. (hung up / picked up)
They _____ a new coffee shop downtown. (set up / made up)
Don’t _____ on your goals, no matter how hard it gets. (give up / grow up)

Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
Cheer up	a. To become happier
Look up	b. To search for information
Show up	c. To arrive
Warm up	d. To prepare for exercise
Make up	e. To invent a story

Exercise 3: Write Your Own Sentences

Create sentences using the following phrasal verbs:

Bring up
Clean up
Dress up
Pick up
Wake up