# listen up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/listen-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Please listen up to the teacher." but "Please listen to the teacher." — 'Listen up' is an intransitive command and cannot be followed by 'to' and an object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.