get up there

USAGE SUMMARY

'get up there' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation involving a hierarchy. For example, you might say, "If you want to get ahead in the corporation, you're going to have to work hard to get up there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I could get up there".

Independent

Just get up there and start talking".

The New Yorker

You get up there and realize, wow".

The New York Times

There are queues to get up there.

The Guardian - Opinion

How do I get up there?

The New York Times

"How'd you get up there?" panted Douglas.

The New Yorker

Still, on every visit he tried to get up there.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"When I get up there the audience, they already dead.

The New Yorker

They get up there and do it.

WikiHow

"I said 'get up.' There was no drama".

The Guardian - Sport

Hunters, jockeys, witches, and chargers can get up there.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get up there" to describe achieving a goal, ensure the context clearly indicates the desired outcome or position. For example, "With hard work, you can "get up there" in your career."

Common error

Avoid using "get up there" in purely literal contexts when a more descriptive verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "I need to "get up there" to fix the roof", use "I need to climb up to fix the roof" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get up there" functions as an idiomatic expression. It describes either a physical ascent to a higher location or, metaphorically, the attainment of a higher rank, position, or level of success. Ludwig shows examples of both literal and figurative usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get up there" is a versatile phrase with both literal and figurative meanings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used in English. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as informal conversations. While grammatically sound, remember that more formal or specific alternatives may be preferable depending on the context. Be mindful of the intended meaning – physical ascent or achievement – to ensure clear communication. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "get up there" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascend to that location

This alternative replaces the idiomatic "get" with the more formal "ascend" and specifies "that location" for clarity.

reach that high point

This phrase substitutes "get" with "reach" and emphasizes the altitude with "high point".

climb to the top

This alternative uses "climb" to imply a physical ascent and specifies "the top" as the destination.

make it to the summit

Using "make it" instead of "get" and specifying "summit" implies a challenging journey to a high location.

arrive at that place

This phrase replaces "get up" with the simpler "arrive at", focusing on the destination rather than the act of ascending.

go to that height

This option uses the basic verb "go" and specifies "that height" to indicate upward movement.

elevate oneself to that position

This alternative employs more formal language, suggesting a deliberate and possibly figurative rise.

move upwards to that spot

The phrase "move upwards" provides a literal description of ascending to a specific location.

attain that level

This alternative implies reaching a certain status or rank, rather than a physical location.

rise to that rank

This suggests achieving a higher position, typically in a hierarchical or competitive context.

FAQs

How can I use "get up there" in a sentence?

You can use "get up there" to describe physically ascending to a location, such as "How did the musicians "get up there" to play on the roof?". It can also mean achieving a high rank or position, like in "It shows what we have to do to "get up there"".

What does "get up there" mean?

"Get up there" can refer to the act of physically ascending to a higher location. Figuratively, it can describe achieving a high rank, status, or level of success in a particular field.

What are some alternatives to saying "get up there"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "ascend to that location", "reach that high point", or "climb to the top" for physical ascent. For achieving success, you might say "attain that level" or "rise to that rank".

Is "get up there" formal or informal?

"Get up there" is generally considered an informal phrase. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the intended meaning, like the above mentioned alternatives.