English Reference

Phrasal verb

bump up

Definition

phrasal verb. to increase the amount, size, or level of something. You use this when you want to make a number or a price higher.

phrasal verb. To increase something, often by a small or discrete amount. Transitive; frequently used in contexts involving prices, grades, or quantities to indicate a deliberate adjustment upward.

Examples

“The store decided to bump up the price of milk.”

“After seeing her excellent final project, the professor decided to bump up her grade from a B to an A.”

“The central bank may need to bump up interest rates sooner than expected to combat the rising tide of inflation across the sector.”

Examples

simple

“The store decided to bump up the price of milk.”

contextual

“After seeing her excellent final project, the professor decided to bump up her grade from a B to an A.”

complex

“The central bank may need to bump up interest rates sooner than expected to combat the rising tide of inflation across the sector.”

Usage

This phrasal verb is transitive and usually takes a direct object like a price, a grade, or a number.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'increase' or 'raise'; 'bump up' often implies a small, quick, or informal adjustment rather than a major structural change.

Pitfall

They bumped up of the price.

They bumped up the price.

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

bump + up + object

Synonyms

increaseraiseboosthike

Antonyms

lowerreducedecreasecut

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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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