wake up

USAGE SUMMARY

"wake up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in situations where you are encouraging someone to become more alert or aware. For example, you could write, "I know you're tired, but please wake up and pay attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Wake up, baby, wake up, wake up!

The New Yorker

MAMA: Omar, wake up! Wake up!

The New Yorker

"Wake up!" another cried.

The New York Times

I just wake up.

The New York Times

Wake up, people!

The New York Times

"Wake up!" she said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He wakes up.

The New Yorker

Dorothy woke up, moaning.

The New Yorker

And Aurora wakes up!

The New Yorker

Kafka wakes up".

The New York Times - Books

Wes woke up shaking.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wake up" to directly instruct someone to awaken, or metaphorically to encourage awareness. For example, "Wake up, the presentation starts in five minutes" or "It's time for companies to wake up to the importance of sustainability".

Common error

Avoid overusing "wake up" in metaphorical contexts if a more precise verb better suits the meaning. Instead of saying "Politicians need to wake up to the issue", consider alternatives like "address", "confront", or "acknowledge" the issue to convey a more nuanced message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wake up" is as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating the act of ceasing to sleep. It can also be used transitively as in "wake someone up". Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its usage in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wake up" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of ceasing to sleep or, metaphorically, becoming aware of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase across different contexts. Analysis of examples reveals its frequent appearance in news articles, wikis, and scientific publications, showcasing its adaptability and broad relevance. While generally neutral, the tone can shift towards persuasive or urgent when used metaphorically. To avoid common errors, be mindful of choosing more specific verbs when the figurative sense needs more precision. Remember to use the correct form ("wake up" vs. "wakes up") depending on the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaken

Single-word synonym for becoming conscious from sleep.

arise

Implies getting out of bed after waking up.

stir

Suggests a gentle or gradual awakening.

rouse

Similar to awaken, but can also imply being stirred from inactivity.

snap out of it

Used to urge someone to become more alert or aware of their surroundings or situation.

come to

Implies regaining consciousness after fainting or being knocked out.

be more aware

Focuses on increasing attentiveness or understanding.

pay attention

Highlights the need to focus on something specific.

become alert

Emphasizes achieving a state of readiness and vigilance.

shake off slumber

A more figurative and poetic way of saying wake up, emphasizing the removal of sleepiness.

FAQs

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

You can use "wake up" to describe the act of ceasing to sleep, as in "I usually wake up around 7 AM". It can also be used metaphorically to mean becoming aware of something, such as "The public needs to wake up to the dangers of climate change".

What are some synonyms for "wake up"?

Some synonyms for "wake up" include "awaken", "arise", "rouse", and "come to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "wake up" or "wakes up"?

Both are correct, depending on the subject. Use "wake up" with subjects like I, you, we, and they (e.g., "I wake up early"). Use "wakes up" with singular subjects like he, she, and it (e.g., "He wakes up late").

What's the difference between "wake up" and "wake someone up"?

"Wake up" refers to the act of ceasing to sleep oneself, while "wake someone up" refers to causing another person to cease sleeping. For example, "I wake up naturally" versus "I had to wake my brother up".