stɛp ʌp
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- step
- Particle:
- up
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "step up" mean?
- To take action or responsibility when needed
- To increase the level or intensity of something
Examples
- When the team leader quit, Maria stepped up and took charge.
- The company needs to step up its efforts to reduce waste.
- He really stepped up during the crisis.
- It is time for someone to step up and make a decision.
How to use it
Often used to praise someone who takes initiative.
Word order
Separable when transitive: 'step up production'. Inseparable when intransitive: 'She stepped up.'
Similar expressions
take charge
increase
intensify
Opposites
step down
back off
Related phrasal verbs
- step down
To resign from an important position
- get up
To rise from bed after sleeping
- turn up
To increase the volume, heat, or intensity of something
- give up
To stop trying to do something, often because it is too difficult
- bring up
To mention or introduce a topic in conversation
- go up
To increase in price, level, or amount
Use it in a practice answer
Try "step up" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.