What are the definitions of “be up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be out of bed.
She's not UP yet.
- 2Have increased or risen.
The company's profits ARE UP by fifteen percent.
- 3When the time for something finishes or expires.
Time's UP, please finish your drinks and leave.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “be up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb be up is to be out of bed or awake. It is used to describe someone who has already woken up and started their day. For example, it can mean that a person is no longer sleeping and is now active.
What are the different verb forms of “be up”?
| Root Verb | be up |
| Third Person Singular Present | is up |
| Present Participle | being up |
| Simple Past | was up |
| Past Participle | been up |
Example
She will be up early tomorrow morning.
Example
He is up and getting ready for work.
Example
She is being up late tonight to finish her project.
Example
Yesterday, he was up before sunrise.
Example
She had been up since 5 am, so she was very tired.
What kind of phrasal verb is “be up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“be up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She is up early every day.
Example
He was up late last night.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“be up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She is up early every day.
Example
He was up late last night.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “be up”?
Be up for something
To be willing or interested in doing something.
Example
Are you up for going to the movies tonight?
Be up to something
To be doing something, often secretly or with a negative connotation.
Example
I think the kids are up to something; they've been very quiet.
Be up to one's neck/ears
To be very busy or overwhelmed with work or responsibilities.
Example
I can't go out tonight; I'm up to my neck in paperwork.
Good things to know
Does “be up” have an informal or formal tone?
Be up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
