What are the definitions of “live up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Meet expectations or standards.
The concert didn't LIVE UP TO my expectations.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “live up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb live up to is to meet or fulfill expectations, standards, or promises. It is often used when talking about whether something or someone has met the desired level of quality or performance.
What are the different verb forms of “live up to”?
| Root Verb | live up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | lives up to |
| Present Participle | living up to |
| Simple Past | lived up to |
| Past Participle | lived up to |
Example
I hope this new restaurant lives up to the hype.
Example
She always lives up to her parents' expectations.
Example
He is living up to his reputation as a hard worker.
Example
The movie lived up to all the positive reviews.
Example
The product has lived up to its claims of being durable and long-lasting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “live up to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“live up to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The new employee lived up to our expectations.
Example
The vacation did not live up to what we had hoped for.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“live up to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The new employee lived up to our expectations.
Example
The vacation did not live up to what we had hoped for.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “live up to”?
Live up to one's reputation
To perform or behave in a manner consistent with how one is known or perceived.
Example
The famous chef lived up to his reputation by creating an amazing meal.
Good things to know
Does “live up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Live up to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
