What are the definitions of “move up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move to make space.
Could you MOVE UP and let me sit down?
- 2Move to a higher level.
They MOVED her UP to senior management.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “move up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb move up is to change position or level, usually to a higher or better one. It can refer to a person's job position, a place in a ranking, or simply making space for someone else.
What are the different verb forms of “move up”?
| Root Verb | move up |
| Third Person Singular Present | moves up |
| Present Participle | moving up |
| Simple Past | moved up |
| Past Participle | moved up |
Example
Please move up so I can sit down.
Example
She moves up the ladder of success quickly.
Example
He is moving up in the company.
Example
Last year, they moved up to a better neighborhood.
Example
She has moved up the ranks in her career.
What kind of phrasal verb is “move up”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“move up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
Could you move up and let me sit down?
Example
They moved her up to senior management.
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
“move up” 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
Could you move up and let me sit down?
Example
They moved her up to senior management.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “move up”?
Good things to know
Does “move up” have an informal or formal tone?
Move up 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 presentations.
