English Reference

Phrasal verb

get up

Definition

phrasal verb. To get out of bed, usually in the morning after you wake up. It can also mean to stand up from a sitting or lying position.

phrasal verb. To rise from bed after sleeping, or to rise to one's feet. It is most commonly used intransitively, but can be used transitively and separably (get someone up).

Examples

“I get up at 7 a.m. every day.”

“It's hard to get up on cold, dark winter mornings, even when the alarm goes off.”

“Despite the profound weariness that had settled in his bones, the old fisherman knew he must get up before dawn to check his nets.”

Examples

simple

“I get up at 7 a.m. every day.”

contextual

“It's hard to get up on cold, dark winter mornings, even when the alarm goes off.”

complex

“Despite the profound weariness that had settled in his bones, the old fisherman knew he must get up before dawn to check his nets.”

Usage

Often followed by a time (e.g., 'at 7 a.m.') or an adverb (e.g., 'early', 'late').

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'wake up': you wake up first (open your eyes), and then you get up (physically leave the bed).

Pitfall

He got up the child from her nap.

He got the child up from her nap.

When used with an object, 'get up' is separable, so the object must go between 'get' and 'up'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

separable

Pattern

get + up

Synonyms

riseget out of bedstand up

Antonyms

go to bedlie downstay in bedsit down

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.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL 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: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference