English Reference

Phrasal verb

heat up

Definition

phrasal verb. to make something warm or hot, or to become hot yourself.

phrasal verb. to increase the temperature of an object or environment; can be used transitively (to warm something) or intransitively (to become warm).

Examples

“I need to heat up my soup in the microwave.”

“The room started to heat up as soon as the afternoon sun hit the large windows.”

“As the political debate began to heat up, both candidates abandoned their prepared remarks and engaged in a series of sharp personal attacks.”

Examples

simple

“I need to heat up my soup in the microwave.”

contextual

“The room started to heat up as soon as the afternoon sun hit the large windows.”

complex

“As the political debate began to heat up, both candidates abandoned their prepared remarks and engaged in a series of sharp personal attacks.”

Usage

often used for food or physical spaces, but can also describe a situation becoming more intense.

Teaching tip

point out that 'heat up' is more common than the simple verb 'heat' in casual conversation, especially regarding food.

Pitfall

I will hot up the coffee.

I will heat up the coffee.

'hot' is an adjective, while 'heat' is the verb form required for this phrasal verb.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

heat + up + (object)

Synonyms

warm upreheatintensify

Antonyms

cool downchill

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.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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English Reference