stood up

USAGE SUMMARY

"stood up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as an idiom to describe someone who has acted in a brave or generous way, or someone who has refused to accept something they object to. For example: When all of his classmates refused to stand up against the bullies, he stood up to them and defended the victims.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She stood up sharply.

The New Yorker

The woman stood up.

The New Yorker

— Mike Repole stood up.

The New York Times - Sports

I stood up.

The New York Times

He stood up again.

The New Yorker

Bell stood up.

The New Yorker

Everyone stood up.

The New Yorker

Connecticut stood up.

Yale University

"He stood up for us".

The New York Times

"Everybody stood up," she said.

The New York Times

A few people stood up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stood up" when describing the physical act of rising from a seated or lying position. For metaphorical use, consider whether it accurately conveys taking a firm stance or defending a principle.

Common error

Avoid using "stood up" in passive constructions where the agent performing the action is unclear or missing. For example, instead of saying "The proposal was stood up", clarify who supported or initiated the proposal.

Linguistic Context

Stood up primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past tense of the phrasal verb "stand up". It describes the action of rising from a sitting or lying position. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this usage in various contexts. The expression can also be used as an idiom to denote supporting or defending something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stood up" functions primarily as the past tense of the phrasal verb 'stand up', denoting the action of rising. According to Ludwig, it's deemed grammatically correct and widely applicable. It also functions idiomatically to represent taking a stand or defending a belief. This phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media, Academia and Science. When writing, remember to consider the context to ensure accurate conveyance of the physical or metaphorical meaning. Common errors include misusing it in passive voice without a clear agent. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "stood up" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arose

Implies a formal or respectful act of standing.

got to one's feet

Highlights the effort or process of standing.

rose to a standing position

Emphasizes the change in posture to a vertical stance.

stood erect

Stresses the straight and upright posture.

elevated oneself

Focuses on the act of lifting the body upwards.

assumed an upright posture

More formal and clinical description of standing.

took a stand

Idiomatic use, indicating a firm position or defense of a belief.

defended

Implies taking action in support of someone or something.

rebelled

Emphasizes opposition or resistance.

resisted

Suggests actively fighting against something.

FAQs

What does "stood up" mean in a literal sense?

Literally, "stood up" refers to the action of rising from a seated or lying position to an upright, standing posture.

What are some synonyms for "stood up" in the context of supporting something?

In the context of supporting something, synonyms for "stood up" include "defended", "supported", or "championed".

How can I use "stood up" in a sentence describing physical action?

You can use it to describe someone rising: "After the speech, everyone "arose" and applauded."

Is it correct to say someone "stood up for" an idea or principle?

Yes, it is correct. "Stood up for" implies actively supporting or defending an idea, person, or principle, such as "He "defended" his beliefs, even when facing opposition."