leap up

USAGE SUMMARY

"leap up" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is an intransitive verb phrase that means to jump up suddenly and with great energy. For example, "The cat saw the intruder and leapt up onto the bookshelf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I leap up with them.

The New York Times

Norman noticed three young American friends leap up.

The Guardian

I just had time to leap up, turn and run.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mike, Dustin, and Lucas leap up from their chairs.

The New Yorker

Didn't her dog ever leap up, leave muddy paw prints?

The New York Times - Magazine

To exult started out meaning "to leap up".

The New York Times - Magazine

You springy barriers that leap up for E-ZPass!

The New York Times

Then, perhaps during a wet summer, it would leap up two feet.

The New York Times

My husband died five years ago and my income seemed to leap up overnight.

The Guardian - Money

Is it worth paying for private cover and will premiums leap up?

The Guardian - Money

But at the moment, I leap up and down my ladder.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leap up" to convey a sense of suddenness and energy in upward movement. It is suitable for describing physical actions and figurative increases.

Common error

Avoid using "leap up" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "ascend rapidly" or "increase sharply" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "leap up" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, describing an action performed by a subject. It describes an upward movement, often implying suddenness and vigor, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leap up" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb that effectively conveys a sudden and energetic upward movement. Ludwig examples show that it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from describing physical actions to indicating rapid increases. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings to ensure stylistic appropriateness. Overall, its frequency and clear meaning make "leap up" a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jump up

Similar in meaning, but less emphasis on the energy of the movement.

spring up

Implies a quick, elastic movement upwards.

bound up

Suggests a longer, more athletic leap.

shoot up

Suggests a rapid, almost uncontrolled ascent.

dart up

Suggests a quick and sudden upwards motion.

surge up

Implies a powerful and forceful upward movement.

rocket up

Suggests a very fast and dramatic rise.

ascend rapidly

A more formal way of describing a quick upward movement.

rise quickly

A general term for moving upwards at a fast pace.

move up swiftly

Indicates upward movement with speed.

FAQs

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

You can use "leap up" to describe a sudden jump, as in "The cat saw the mouse and "leapt up" to catch it", or a sudden increase, as in "Profits "leapt up" after the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "leap up"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "jump up", "spring up", or "shoot up" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "leap up" appropriate for formal writing?

While "leap up" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "ascend rapidly" or "increase sharply".

What is the difference between "leap up" and "rise up"?

"Leap up" implies a more sudden and energetic movement than "rise up". "Rise up" often refers to a gradual or more deliberate increase, while "leap up" suggests a quick, almost impulsive action.