What are the definitions of “stand up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Keep your principles when challenged by an authority.
She STOOD UP TO the police when they tried to corrupt her.
- 2Resist damage.
This coat will STAND UP TO the roughest weather conditions.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stand up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stand up to is to resist or confront someone or something, especially when facing challenges or difficulties. It can be used to describe a person who defends their beliefs or principles against an authority or a situation where something can withstand damage or difficult conditions.
What are the different verb forms of “stand up to”?
| Root Verb | stand up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | stands up to |
| Present Participle | standing up to |
| Simple Past | stood up to |
| Past Participle | stood up to |
Example
She stands up to her boss when he treats her unfairly.
Example
He stands up to the bullies at school.
Example
They are standing up to the government's new policies.
Example
He stood up to his friends when they tried to pressure him.
Example
She has always stood up to injustice in her community.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stand 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.)
Transitive verb
“stand up to” 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
She stood up to the police when they tried to corrupt her.
Example
This coat will stand up to the roughest weather conditions.
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 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
She stood up to the police when they tried to corrupt her.
Example
This coat will stand up to the roughest weather conditions.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stand up to”?
Stand up for
Defend or support someone or something.
Example
He always stands up for his friends when they need help.
Stand up against
Oppose or resist someone or something.
Example
The community stood up against the new development project.
Good things to know
Does “stand up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Stand 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 speeches, debates, or written communication.
