"In times of doubt, lift up your spirit, for it is the light that guides through the darkest moments of life."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'lift up' means to raise something to a higher position or to elevate someone’s mood or spirits. It can be used both literally and metaphorically, such as physically lifting an object or emotionally raising someone’s morale.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'lift up' means to raise something to a higher position or to elevate someone’s mood or spirits. It can be used both literally and metaphorically, such as physically lifting an object or emotionally raising someone’s morale.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
You can place the object between 'lift' and 'up'.
Register
Neutral
Suitable for both casual and formal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object for completion.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple lift up They lift up the box to the shelf.
Past Simple lifted up She lifted up his mood with a kind word.
Present Continuous lifting up He is lifting up the mood with a joke.
Present Perfect have lifted up We have lifted up the banner for the event.

💡 When to Use

Boosting morale
Use when describing actions or words intended to improve someone’s feelings or attitude. Often used in motivational contexts.
Example: "Her smile lifted up his spirits."
Physical raising
Use to describe raising objects to a higher position. Often involves physical effort.
Example: "He carefully lifted up the fragile vase."
Encouragement in conversation
Use to provide emotional support during discussions, making someone feel better about themselves.
Example: "She lifted up her friend with encouraging words."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition
❌ Wrong: He lift on the box.
✅ Correct: He lifted up the box.
💡 Tip: Remember 'lift' partners with 'up' to indicate direction.
Tense agreement
❌ Wrong: I lift up your spirits yesterday.
✅ Correct: I lifted up your spirits yesterday.
💡 Tip: Ensure verb tense matches the time frame.
Missing object
❌ Wrong: She lifted up quickly.
✅ Correct: She lifted it up quickly.
💡 Tip: Always include the object being lifted.
Practice

LIFT UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

elevate uplift

Antonyms

lower

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The kind words from her friends helped ___ her mood."

lifted side
lift up
lift across
load up

Frequently Asked Questions about Lift Up

What is the origin of lift up?

+
The term 'lift' comes from the Old Norse 'lypta', meaning to raise. When combined with 'up', it emphasizes direction, indicating the action of moving something to a higher position, gaining popularity in the Middle Ages.

Can lift up be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'lift up' can be used in both contexts. It is versatile, fitting formal situations like speeches or informal conversations with friends, making it a flexible choice for various scenarios.

What is the difference between lift up and elevate?

+
While 'lift up' is often used in both literal and emotional contexts, 'elevate' is more formal and typically applies to raising status or quality, often in more abstract or professional settings.
Browse All The World In Your Pocket Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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