move up

USAGE SUMMARY

"move up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something is increasing in position, rank, or value. For example, "He has been working hard to move up the corporate ladder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Players can move up.

Independent

Move up means what?

Yale University

"They're determined to move up.

The New York Times - Sports

"Can you move up?" "No".

The New Yorker

Weekly unemployment claims move up.

The New York Times

Some companies move up.

The New York Times

He may move up on that list.

The New York Times - Sports

Then you move up into upper management.

The New York Times

But he never managed to move up.

The New York Times

They just could not move up.

The New York Times - Sports

Make them move up and back.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move up" to indicate both physical movement to a higher location and abstract advancement in status, rank, or a list. Ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning.

Common error

While versatile, "move up" can sound slightly informal in very formal writing. In such cases, consider alternatives like "advance" or "ascend" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "move up" is as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI shows it's used to express a change in position or status, either physically or metaphorically. Examples include physically moving higher or advancing in a career.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "move up" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical and abstract advancements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly indicates a change in position, rank, or status. This phrase enjoys widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain professional settings. To avoid overuse in extremely formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "advance" or "ascend".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get promoted

Specifically refers to receiving a higher position in a job.

advance

This suggests progress or improvement in rank or status.

rise

Implies an increase in status, rank, or level.

step up

Indicates taking on more responsibility or moving to a more challenging role.

ascend

This term focuses on upward movement or rising to a higher position.

progress

Focuses on gradual improvement or development.

climb

Suggests a challenging or effortful ascent.

elevate

Implies lifting or raising something to a higher position.

improve

Focuses on making something better or of higher quality.

make headway

Implies making progress despite difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "move up" to describe physical movement, such as "Could you "move up" a seat?", or to describe advancement, such as "She hopes to "move up" in the company".

What is a synonym for "move up" when referring to career advancement?

When referring to career advancement, synonyms for "move up" include "advance", "get promoted", or "rise through the ranks".

Is it correct to say "move up the ladder"?

Yes, "move up the ladder" is a common idiom that means to advance in a hierarchy, particularly in a career context. For example, "He's determined to "move up the ladder" at his firm".

What's the difference between "move up" and "step up"?

"Move up" generally implies advancement or promotion, while "step up" suggests taking on more responsibility or a more challenging role, not necessarily a higher position. You "step up" to a challenge; you "move up" in a company.