What are the definitions of “stand up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move from a sitting or lying down to vertical position.
Everybody STOOD UP when the judge entered the court.
- 2Fail to keep an appointment.
He agreed to meet me last night, but he STOOD me UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stand up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stand up is to move from a sitting or lying down position to a vertical position. It means to get up on your feet from a seated or lying down position.
What are the different verb forms of “stand up”?
| Root Verb | stand up |
| Third Person Singular Present | stands up |
| Present Participle | standing up |
| Simple Past | stood up |
| Past Participle | stood up |
Example
Please stand up when the teacher enters the room.
Example
She stands up to stretch her legs after sitting for a long time.
Example
He is standing up to get a better view of the stage.
Example
They stood up to applaud the performance.
Example
The audience had stood up to show their appreciation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stand 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.)
Intransitive verb
“stand up” 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
She stood up when the principal entered the room.
Example
He stood up to stretch his legs.
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
“stand 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
She stood up when the principal entered the room.
Example
He stood up to stretch his legs.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stand up”?
Stand up for
Defend or support someone or something.
Example
She always stands up for her friends when they are in trouble.
Stand up to
Resist or confront someone or something.
Example
He stood up to the bully and refused to back down.
Stand someone up
Fail to keep an appointment with someone, especially a date.
Example
He agreed to meet her last night, but he stood her up.
Good things to know
Does “stand up” have an informal or formal tone?
Stand up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in a courtroom or during a ceremony.
