Phrasal verb
go up
Definition
phrasal verb. to increase in price, level, or amount.
phrasal verb. to increase in quantity, price, or level. This phrasal verb is intransitive.
Examples
“The price of coffee is going up again.”
“The temperature is expected to go up to 30 degrees Celsius this afternoon.”
“As public awareness of the environmental crisis goes up, so too does the political pressure for legislative action.”
Examples
simple
“The price of coffee is going up again.”
contextual
“The temperature is expected to go up to 30 degrees Celsius this afternoon.”
complex
“As public awareness of the environmental crisis goes up, so too does the political pressure for legislative action.”
Usage
Commonly used for prices, numbers, temperatures, and other measurable levels.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'raise', which is transitive: prices *go up* (on their own), but a company *raises* prices.
Pitfall
The shop went up the prices.
The prices went up.
'Go up' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; use 'raise' for the action of increasing something.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
subject + go + 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/go-up