Phrasal verb
shape up
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
shape up
Past
shaped up
Past participle
shaped up
Definition
phrasal verb. You use this to tell someone they need to improve their behavior or work harder. It usually happens after a warning that their current effort is not good enough.
phrasal verb. To improve one's performance or behavior to meet a required standard. This phrasal verb is intransitive and often carries a disciplinary or cautionary tone.
Examples
“You need to shape up if you want to stay on the team.”
“The boss told the new employees they would have to shape up quickly if they wanted to pass their three-month probation period.”
“Faced with the threat of immediate dismissal, the employee was forced to shape up and demonstrate a renewed commitment to the company's core values.”
Examples
simple
“You need to shape up if you want to stay on the team.”
contextual
“The boss told the new employees they would have to shape up quickly if they wanted to pass their three-month probation period.”
complex
“Faced with the threat of immediate dismissal, the employee was forced to shape up and demonstrate a renewed commitment to the company's core values.”
Usage
This phrase is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
Teaching tip
Use the idiom 'shape up or ship out' to help students remember the meaning of improving behavior to avoid being forced to leave.
Pitfall
The coach told him to shape up his game.
The coach told him to shape up.
When meaning to improve behavior or performance, 'shape up' is intransitive and does not take an object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
shape + 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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