Phrasal verb
listen up
Definition
phrasal verb. You use this when you want a group of people to pay attention to what you are about to say. It is a casual way to tell everyone to be quiet and listen to your news or instructions.
phrasal verb. An intransitive phrasal verb used in the imperative mood to command the attention of a group. It serves as a pragmatic marker to signal the start of an announcement or a set of instructions.
Examples
“Listen up, class, because I am only going to say this once.”
“Before the hike started, the guide told everyone to listen up while she explained the safety rules for the trail.”
“The sergeant barked at the recruits to listen up, his voice cutting through the morning mist as he prepared to deliver the day's grueling objectives.”
Examples
simple
“Listen up, class, because I am only going to say this once.”
contextual
“Before the hike started, the guide told everyone to listen up while she explained the safety rules for the trail.”
complex
“The sergeant barked at the recruits to listen up, his voice cutting through the morning mist as he prepared to deliver the day's grueling objectives.”
Usage
This phrase is almost always used as a command and does not take an object.
Teaching tip
Point out that 'up' here adds an intensive force to the verb, similar to 'speak up' or 'hurry up', rather than indicating direction.
Pitfall
Please listen up to the teacher.
Please listen to the teacher.
'Listen up' is an intransitive command and cannot be followed by 'to' and an object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
listen + 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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