# get up

CEFR A1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/get-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He got up the child from her nap." but "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'.

## Usage notes

- 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).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.