What are the definitions of “stand up for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Defend, support.
He's the kind of manager who will always STAND UP FOR his staff.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stand up for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stand up for is to defend or support someone or something, especially in the face of criticism or opposition. It means to show your support and protect someone's rights, reputation, or beliefs.
What are the different verb forms of “stand up for”?
| Root Verb | stand up for |
| Third Person Singular Present | stands up for |
| Present Participle | standing up for |
| Simple Past | stood up for |
| Past Participle | stood up for |
Example
I will always stand up for my friends when they need help.
Example
She stands up for her beliefs, even when it's difficult.
Example
He is standing up for his rights as a worker.
Example
They stood up for their teammate when he was being bullied.
Example
She has always stood up for her family in tough times.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stand up for”?
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
“stand up for” 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
He stood up for his friend when she was being treated unfairly.
Example
She stands up for animal rights and works to protect them.
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 for” 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
He stood up for his friend when she was being treated unfairly.
Example
She stands up for animal rights and works to protect them.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stand up for”?
Good things to know
Does “stand up for” have an informal or formal tone?
Stand up for 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 speeches, presentations, or written communication.
