What does the phrasal verb “wake up to” mean?

What are the definitions of “wake up to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Become aware of or acknowledge.

  PEOPLE are waking up to the pressure being put on police to hit figures rather than do their job.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wake up to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wake up to is to become aware of or acknowledge a situation or problem. It often implies that someone was previously unaware or ignorant of the issue.

What are the different verb forms of “wake up to”?

Root Verb	wake up to
Third Person Singular Present	wakes up to
Present Participle	waking up to
Simple Past	woke up to
Past Participle	woken up to

Example

Many people are waking up to the importance of recycling.

Example

She wakes up to the fact that she needs to change her habits.

Example

The world is slowly waking up to the dangers of climate change.

Example

He woke up to the reality of his situation after losing his job.

Example

They have finally woken up to the consequences of their actions.

What kind of phrasal verb is “wake up to”?

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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

“wake up to” 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

The government needs to wake up to the housing crisis.

Example

Society is waking up to the importance of mental health.

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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

“wake 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

The government needs to wake up to the housing crisis.

Example

Society is waking up to the importance of mental health.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wake up to”?

Wake up to reality

To become aware of the true nature of a situation, often after being in denial or having unrealistic expectations.

Example

After losing his job, he woke up to reality and started looking for a new one.

Wake up to the truth

To become aware of a previously hidden or unknown fact.

Example

She woke up to the truth about her friend's betrayal.

Wake up to the fact

To acknowledge or accept a fact that was previously ignored or denied.

Example

He woke up to the fact that he needed to change his lifestyle.

Good things to know

Does “wake up to” have an informal or formal tone?

Wake 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 discussions, such as in academic or professional settings.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “wake up to”?

Synonyms

• realize
• recognize
• acknowledge
• understand
• accept
• grasp
• comprehend
• become aware of

Antonyms

• ignore
• deny
• overlook
• disregard
• neglect
• miss
• unaware