ups

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ups" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks context and clarity.
It may be used informally in specific contexts, such as in casual conversation or as shorthand for "up" in certain phrases, but it is not widely accepted in formal writing. Example: "I had a few ups and downs this week."

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"This race is close with lots of ups and downs.

The Guardian

All sports have their ups and downs of course, and cricket is not alone in producing sports stars with depression.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think our supporters have always been behind us, we've had ups and downs in the last few years, but since the return leg against Ukraine we've felt an enthusiasm behind the team and noticed a rekindled love in practice matches [in the lead up to the World Cup]," Lloris said.

The Guardian - Sport

Ups Not a bad town: historic crumbs survive amid the ring roads; decent cultural life; a revived quayside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With four full backs filling in across the back line, and Alan Gordon and Steven Lenhart out up front as well, it was a barely recognizable Quakes side (unless you had closely followed their alternate line ups for their Champions League campaign) who lined up at CenturyLink Field.

The Guardian - Sport

"There were ups and downs during the SBY years but this is a very big shift, and it is a shift that has had a big impact in Australia".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

What a nightmare!" There had been delays involving Clapham Junction earlier in the rush hour due to a lineside fire which caused hold-ups to services on London Overground.

The Guardian

Click to view Jessy Lanza's Kathy Lee here What we said: "For all the mash-ups, Bangerz feels stitched together in the dark, and the attention-seeking begins to grate.

The Guardian - Music

This has led to accusations of cover-ups and manipulation.

The Guardian

And last but not least, the alleged 14 cases where the Metropolitan police terminated investigations that were implicating MPs and establishment figures and the 46 instances where similar cover-ups took place.

The Guardian

iPhone / iPad Zombie Puzzle Panic (Free + IAP) Billed as "a new spin on match 3 with 1000% more zombies and guaranteed no candies", this is an alternative to Candy Crush Saga, with a similar mix of swapping, power-ups and social bragging with your scores.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ups" to informally refer to positive aspects or high points, especially when contrasting with "downs" to describe fluctuations or a mix of experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "ups" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "advantages", "increases", or "positive aspects" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ups" is as a plural noun, often used to denote positive experiences or high points, particularly when contrasted with "downs". As Ludwig indicates, while informal, it's considered acceptable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

33%

Lifestyle

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ups" is generally deemed acceptable in informal contexts, particularly when used in the expression "ups and downs". Ludwig AI indicates that while it may not be appropriate for formal or academic writing, it's commonly found in news and media, especially in sports and lifestyle reporting. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "advantages", "positive aspects", or "increases". While "ups" is a common way to refer to positive experiences, careful consideration should be given to the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highs

Replaces "ups" to refer to positive experiences or elevated states.

peaks

Substitutes "ups" when describing the highest points in a data set, graph, or experience.

advantages

Replaces "ups" to focus on beneficial aspects or positive outcomes.

increases

Substitutes "ups" when referring to growth or rises in quantity or value.

ascents

Replaces "ups" in contexts describing climbing or rising movements.

positive aspects

Replaces "ups" to generally refer to good or favorable elements.

improvements

Substitutes "ups" when referring to enhancements or advancements.

gains

Replaces "ups" in situations involving profits or benefits acquired.

rises

Substitutes "ups" when referring to upward movements or increases in levels.

pluses

An informal alternative to "ups", indicating positive attributes or advantages.

FAQs

How can I use "ups" in a sentence?

You can use "ups" to refer to the positive aspects or high points in a situation, often in contrast with "downs". For example, "Life has its "ups and downs"."

What are some alternatives to using "ups"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "ups" include "highs", "peaks", "advantages", or "increases depending on the intended meaning".

Is it grammatically correct to use "ups" in formal writing?

While "ups" is commonly used in informal contexts, it's generally not suitable for formal writing. In formal settings, using more precise terms like "positive aspects" or "improvements" is recommended.

What's the difference between "ups" and "advantages"?

"Ups" is a more general and informal term for positive aspects or high points. "Advantages" specifically refers to beneficial aspects that provide a competitive edge or favorable outcome.