something up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that there is an issue, problem, or situation that needs attention or is suspicious. Example: "I noticed he was acting strangely; I think there might be something up with him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make something up".

The New Yorker

Just make something up".

The New York Times - Magazine

We'll set something up".

The New York Times - Sports

Someone's covering something up".

The Guardian

Something up too high?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'll make something up".

The Guardian

Is something up?

The New York Times

"But we'll just make something up".

The New York Times

They gave something up to be here.

The New Yorker

I think I just made something up".

The New Yorker

something up in the reactor.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something up" to express your suspicion about an hidden motive. For example, "He always has something up his sleeve"

Common error

While "something up" is widely understood, its casual tone can be out of place in formal documents. Opt for more precise and professional language such as "a matter of concern" or "an unresolved issue" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something up" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied noun, often related to a problem or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly implies that there is a problem or issue needing attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something up" is a versatile phrase used to inquire about problems or express suspicion. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in informal contexts, especially in News & Media. While it's generally acceptable, remember that more formal alternatives exist for professional settings. Understanding these nuances will help you wield this phrase effectively in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something the matter

This alternative directly questions if a problem exists.

something amiss

This suggests that something is not quite right or out of place.

something wrong

This is a general inquiry about a problem.

a problem brewing

This suggests an issue is developing or about to happen.

an issue arising

This indicates that a problem is in the process of occurring.

a difficulty emerging

This suggests a challenge is beginning to surface.

a hitch developing

This implies a minor problem is starting to form.

complications surfacing

This suggests problems are starting to appear.

trouble brewing

Implies that there is the beginning of trouble.

an issue at hand

This describes a current problem needing attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "something up" to inquire about a problem (e.g., "Is "something up"? You seem distracted.") or to indicate suspicion (e.g., "He's been acting strange; I think he has "something up" his sleeve.").

What does "something up" mean?

"Something up" generally means that there is a problem, issue, or hidden agenda. It's an informal way of asking if everything is alright or if someone is planning something.

Which is more formal, "something up" or "is there an issue"?

"Is there an issue?" is more formal. "Something up" is a more casual and informal way to inquire about a problem.

What are some alternatives to saying "something up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "something wrong", "something amiss", or "what's the matter" to convey a similar meaning.