save up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "save up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an action of setting aside money or resources over time, usually with the intention of using them in the future. For example: "I've been saving up so I can take a vacation next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Personal finance

Travel planning

Making purchases

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You should save up, get a house".

The New Yorker

Save up, go to L'Enclume.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I could save up for it".

The New York Times - Magazine

That would save up to £550,000.

The Guardian

One organ donor can save up to eight lives.

Stanford University

Instead, it's better to save up for your holiday presents.

Cornell University

CAA members save up to 20% on tickets.

University of California, Berkeley

Save up to 30%.

Duke University

"People save up rather than borrow heavily".

BBC

Then save up for it!

Forbes

You can save up to 30 searches.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the goal of saving, use "for": "I'm saving up for a house."

Common error

Avoid using "save up" when you mean simply "save". "Save" can be used in a broader context to mean keeping something, not just money.

Linguistic Context

"Save up" is a phrasal verb that functions as an intransitive verb when describing the act of accumulating money. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is commonly used to refer to setting aside money or resources with the intention of future use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "save up" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe accumulating resources, particularly money, over time for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It functions as an intransitive verb, communicating the intention of accumulating funds for future use. While informal in register, it appears across various contexts, including news, academic, and general writing. To ensure clarity, specify the goal of saving using "for". While technically clear, it is recommended to only use "save up" in financial related scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put money away

A more casual and common way to describe saving, particularly for the future.

set aside money

Focuses on the act of reserving money, often implying a deliberate action.

accumulate funds

A more formal way of saying "save up", emphasizing the process of gathering money.

amass savings

Implies a significant accumulation of savings over time.

build up a reserve

Suggests creating a financial safety net or emergency fund.

squirrel away

An informal phrase indicating saving in a secretive or cautious manner.

salt away money

Similar to "squirrel away", with a slightly stronger emphasis on secrecy.

economize

Focuses on reducing spending to allow for saving.

lay away

Means setting aside merchandise instead of money, so the meaning is shifted.

collect revenue

Refers to gathering income or revenue, usually in a business context.

FAQs

How do you use "save up" in a sentence?

"Save up" is used to describe the process of accumulating money or resources, often for a specific purpose. For example, "I'm going to "save up" for a new car."

What can I say instead of "save up"?

You can use alternatives like "set aside money", "put money away", or "accumulate funds" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "saving up money" or is it redundant?

While technically "saving" already implies accumulating money (or resources), saying "saving up money" is a common and acceptable way to emphasize the financial aspect of saving.

What is the difference between "save" and "save up"?

"Save" is a general term for keeping something, while ""save up"" specifically means accumulating something, usually money, over time. You can "save" time, but you ""save up"" money.