What are the definitions of “wise up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop being stupid.
His supervisor told him to WISE UP and start following the rules or else he'd lose his job.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wise up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wise up is to stop being foolish or naive and start behaving more sensibly or intelligently. It is often used as a piece of advice or a warning to someone who is not acting wisely.
What are the different verb forms of “wise up”?
| Root Verb | wise up |
| Third Person Singular Present | wises up |
| Present Participle | wising up |
| Simple Past | wised up |
| Past Participle | wised up |
Example
You need to wise up and start making better decisions.
Example
She wises up quickly after realizing her mistakes.
Example
He is wising up to the fact that he needs to change his ways.
Example
They finally wised up and stopped trusting the scammer.
Example
After getting into trouble, he wised up and started following the rules.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wise 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
“wise 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
It's time for you to wise up and take responsibility for your actions.
Example
She wised up after realizing the consequences of her actions.
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
“wise 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
It's time for you to wise up and take responsibility for your actions.
Example
She wised up after realizing the consequences of her actions.
Good things to know
Does “wise up” have an informal or formal tone?
Wise up is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal alternatives such as 'become more sensible' or 'gain a better understanding' can be used.
