What are the definitions of “be up for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be enthusiastic about an upcoming event.
ARE you UP FOR the climb of Mt. Blanc?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “be up for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb be up for is to be enthusiastic, excited, or willing to participate in an upcoming event or activity. It shows that someone is looking forward to doing something.
What are the different verb forms of “be up for”?
| Root Verb | be up for |
| Third Person Singular Present | is up for |
| Present Participle | being up for |
| Simple Past | was/were up for |
| Past Participle | been up for |
Example
I am up for going to the concert tonight.
Example
She is up for trying the new restaurant.
Example
He is being up for joining the sports team.
Example
They were up for attending the party last night.
Example
She had been up for the challenge since the beginning.
What kind of phrasal verb is “be up for”?
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 for” 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
Are you up for the hike this weekend?
Example
I am up for watching a movie tonight.
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 for” 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
Are you up for the hike this weekend?
Example
I am up for watching a movie tonight.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “be up for”?
Be up for grabs
Something that is available or can be won by anyone.
Example
The championship title is still up for grabs as the teams compete.
Be up for discussion
A topic that is open for conversation or debate.
Example
The new policy is up for discussion at the next meeting.
Be up for renewal
A contract or agreement that is about to expire and needs to be renewed.
Example
Our lease is up for renewal next month, so we need to decide if we want to stay.
Good things to know
Does “be up for” have an informal or formal tone?
Be up for is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like 'be willing to' or 'be interested in' instead.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “be up for”?
Synonyms
- be willing
- be eager
- be enthusiastic
- be excited
- be interested
- be keen
Antonyms
- be unwilling
- be uninterested
- be reluctant
- be indifferent
- be unenthusiastic
- be opposed
