rest up

USAGE SUMMARY

"rest up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used either informally or semi-formally to mean to take a rest or to gain energy for an upcoming task. For example, "Before the big meeting tomorrow, make sure to rest up so you feel prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So rest up, fast.

The New York Times

"Just rest up until it's better".

The New York Times - Sports

I'll rest up as always, I need to rest up for the 200m".

The Guardian - Sport

The rest, up to you and an imaginative contractor.

The New York Times

"Do you want to rest up?" she said.

The New Yorker

But is it going to be beneficial to rest up?

The New York Times

"You take a quick nap; you don't rest up completely," Granderson said.

The New York Times

If you can take one night to sleep at a friend's house and rest up".

The New York Times

Mr. Dwane has recovered, but "we're just going to rest up," Mr. Lovett told Rolling Stone.

The New York Times - Arts

Huge sums still need to be spent to bring the rest up to standard.

The Economist

I went to bed early that night to rest up for me journey to London.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rest up" when you want to emphasize both the act of resting and the preparation for something to come. For instance, "Rest up before the big game tomorrow" highlights both the rest needed and the upcoming event.

Common error

Don't use "rest up" when the intent is simply to relax without a specific goal in mind. "I'm just going to rest" is appropriate if you're simply relaxing, while "I need to rest up" implies preparing for a subsequent activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "rest up" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates the action of relaxing and recuperating, often in preparation for a subsequent activity. Ludwig's examples show usage across varied contexts, from sports to daily routines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rest up" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to advise or suggest that someone relax and recuperate, often in preparation for a future event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, though it leans toward neutral to informal settings. Its primary function is intransitive, indicating the act of recovery itself. While more formal alternatives exist, "rest up" effectively conveys the idea of both resting and preparing, making it a versatile phrase in everyday language. Its high frequency in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, as shown by Ludwig, attests to its widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get some rest

Emphasizes the act of resting itself, lacking the sense of preparation implied by "rest up".

take a break

Focuses on a temporary cessation of activity, suggesting a short pause rather than complete rest.

recharge your batteries

Implies restoring energy, often after a period of intense activity or depletion.

take it easy

Suggests relaxation and avoiding strenuous activity, often as a recommendation.

recuperate

Focuses on recovering from illness, injury, or exertion, often implying a more extended period of recovery.

recover

Similar to recuperate, but can also apply to recovering something lost or stolen.

relax

Focuses on reducing tension and anxiety, which can be part of the process of "rest up".

get some shut-eye

An informal way of saying 'get some sleep'.

prepare

Emphasizes readying oneself for a coming event or task, rather than the resting aspect.

rejuvenate

Suggests a more profound renewal of energy and vitality, going beyond mere rest.

FAQs

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

You can use "rest up" to suggest someone should relax and prepare for a future event, as in, "You should "rest up" before your interview." It emphasizes the importance of both relaxation and preparation.

What's a more formal way to say "rest up"?

While "rest up" is generally informal, more formal alternatives include "recuperate", "recover", or "replenish your energy". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic settings where "rest up" might sound too casual.

Is "rest up" only used for physical activities?

No, "rest up" isn't limited to physical activities. It can also be used to prepare for mental or emotional challenges. For example, "I need to "rest up" before the final exam" indicates mental preparation.

What's the difference between "rest up" and "lie down"?

"Lie down" simply means to recline, while "rest up" implies a deliberate action to recover and prepare for something. You might "lie down" because you're tired, but you "rest up" with a specific purpose in mind.