What are the definitions of “stay up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not go to bed.
The children STAYED UP until way past their bedtime.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stay up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stay up is to not go to bed or to remain awake for a longer time than usual. It often refers to staying awake past one's usual bedtime.
What are the different verb forms of “stay up”?
| Root Verb | stay up |
| Third Person Singular Present | stays up |
| Present Participle | staying up |
| Simple Past | stayed up |
| Past Participle | stayed up |
Example
I usually stay up late on weekends.
Example
She stays up late to finish her homework.
Example
He is staying up to watch the late-night movie.
Example
Last night, they stayed up until midnight to celebrate the New Year.
Example
We have stayed up all night to finish the project.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stay 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
“stay 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
I stayed up late last night.
Example
She stayed up to study for the exam.
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
“stay 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
I stayed up late last night.
Example
She stayed up to study for the exam.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stay up”?
Good things to know
Does “stay up” have an informal or formal tone?
Stay up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
