lift up

USAGE SUMMARY

"lift up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of lifting something up, or raising the level of something. For example, "We need to lift up our spirits and keep going."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lift up your arms".

The New Yorker

Lift up your train!

The Washington Post

Lift up and down.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This man will lift up America".

The New York Times

He did not lift up anyone.

The New York Times - Sports

If not lift up, subjugate.

The Guardian - Books

"This will lift up Brentwood".

The New York Times

They would lift up, not weed out.

The New York Times

"Lift up your shirt," Tahir said.

The New York Times

(c) Lift up the tip gradually.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Men and Women: Lift Up Your Voices and Sing!

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lift up" in the context of improving someone's mood, consider the intensity. For a less intense effect, "cheer up" might be more appropriate. For a profound effect, "uplift" may be better.

Common error

Avoid relying on "lift up" excessively in formal contexts. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "elevate", "augment", or "foster" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lift up" is a phrasal verb. It combines the verb 'lift' with the particle 'up' to create a distinct meaning, indicating the action of raising something or improving a situation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Lift up" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the act of raising something physically or improving a situation or someone's mood. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as in wikis, indicating a neutral to informal register. While synonyms like "raise", "elevate", and "uplift" exist, "lift up" provides a more general and often less formal alternative. Remember to consider the context and desired tone when choosing between "lift up" and its alternatives. Overuse in formal writing should be avoided. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing the diverse applications of "lift up" in real-world contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uplift

Emphasizes the positive and often emotional impact of raising something.

raise

Focuses on the physical act of increasing height.

pick up

Similar to lift, but more casual and can also mean to collect.

elevate

Implies a formal or significant increase in status or position.

bring up

Can imply raising a topic or nurturing someone.

boost

Suggests an increase in performance, morale, or quantity.

encourage

Focuses on providing support and confidence.

support

Highlights providing assistance or aid.

hoist

Suggests lifting something heavy or substantial, often with equipment.

exalt

Indicates praising or elevating someone to a higher rank or status.

FAQs

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

You can use "lift up" to describe physically raising something, as in "Lift up the box". It can also mean to improve someone's mood, such as "The music lifted up my spirits".

What are some alternatives to "lift up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "raise", "elevate", "uplift", or "encourage".

Is it correct to say "lift up" or "lift"?

Both "lift up" and "lift" can be correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Lift up" often implies a more complete or deliberate action of raising something, while "lift" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "lift up" and "pick up"?

"Lift up" generally refers to raising something, while "pick up" often implies both lifting and taking possession of something. For example, you might "lift up" a heavy object, but you "pick up" a pen from the floor.