go up

USAGE SUMMARY

"go up" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to mean "move in an upward direction" or "increase in amount/value". For example, "Oil prices have been going up steadily since last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can go up.

The New York Times

Barricades go up.

The New York Times

Shooting percentages go up.

The New York Times - Sports

Gas prices go up.

The New York Times

"Don't go up there!

The Economist

"Things, they go up.

The New York Times

Prices go up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Would prices go up?

The New York Times

Jobless claims go up.

The New York Times

Costs will go up.

The New York Times

" 'Go up the stairs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go up" to describe an increase in prices or values, consider providing context for the increase to give your writing more depth and clarity. For example, instead of just saying "Prices go up", specify "Prices go up due to inflation".

Common error

Avoid using "go up" in passive constructions where it doesn't logically fit. For instance, saying "The stairs were gone up" is incorrect; instead, use a different verb or rephrase the sentence to use "go up" actively like "We went up the stairs".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "go up" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating movement in an upward direction or an increase in quantity or value. Ludwig's examples show its application in diverse contexts, such as physical ascent and economic growth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

16%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "go up" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, functioning as an intransitive verb to denote upward movement or an increase in value. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, but also in academic and informal settings. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid misusing it in passive constructions. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "ascend" or "increase" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its proper usage and common pitfalls, you can confidently incorporate "go up" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move upward

Move upward is a literal and descriptive way to express going up.

rise

Rise is a general term for moving upwards, often used for abstract concepts like prices or levels.

climb

Climb suggests a more difficult or effortful upward movement.

ascend

Ascend implies a more formal or majestic upward movement.

increase

Increase specifically refers to a growth in quantity, size, or degree.

soar

Soar implies a rapid and impressive upward movement.

mount

Mount often implies getting on something to go upwards, like a horse or stairs.

elevate

Elevate suggests raising something or someone to a higher position or status.

upturn

Upturn often refers to an improvement or increase in business or economic activity.

arise

Arise is a more formal term for coming into existence or prominence.

FAQs

How can I use "go up" in a sentence?

You can use "go up" to describe physical movement (e.g., "go up the stairs") or increases in value (e.g., "Prices "go up every year"").

What are some alternatives to "go up"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "ascend", "rise", or "increase".

Is it correct to say "gone up" or "went up"?

"Gone up" is the past participle and is used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., "prices have gone up"), while "went up" is the simple past tense (e.g., "prices went up last year").

What's the difference between "go up" and "climb"?

"Go up" is a general term for upward movement, while "climb" often implies a more strenuous or vertical ascent. You might "go up" a hill, but you would "climb" a mountain.