Phrasal verb
inch up
Definition
phrasal verb. to move forward or increase very slowly, a little bit at a time. You use this when something changes by small amounts.
phrasal verb. to move or increase gradually and by small increments. Often used to describe slow, steady progress in physical position or numerical value.
Examples
“The car started to inch up in the heavy traffic.”
“As the deadline approached, the temperature in the office seemed to inch up along with everyone's stress levels.”
“Despite the economic downturn, consumer confidence began to inch up as inflation figures showed signs of stabilizing.”
Examples
simple
“The car started to inch up in the heavy traffic.”
contextual
“As the deadline approached, the temperature in the office seemed to inch up along with everyone's stress levels.”
complex
“Despite the economic downturn, consumer confidence began to inch up as inflation figures showed signs of stabilizing.”
Usage
often used with 'to' or 'towards' when describing a target or destination.
Teaching tip
point out that 'inch' functions as a verb here, using the unit of measurement to emphasize the small scale of the movement.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
inch + up
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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