MOVE UP

National Parks

📖 Definition

To rise to a higher level or position, either physically moving upwards, advancing in a job, or improving one's status in some way.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To rise to a higher level or position, either physically moving upwards, advancing in a job, or improving one's status in some way.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The phrase can be split by its object.
Register
Neutral
Used in both casual and formal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object to act upon.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple move up She works hard to move up the corporate ladder.
Past Simple moved up He moved up several positions in just a year.
Present Continuous moving up They are moving up to a larger apartment next month.
Present Perfect have moved up We have moved up in the rankings since last quarter.

💡 When to Use

Career advancement
Use when discussing progress or promotions in one's job or career path.
Example: "She wants to move up to being a director."
Physical movement
Use when referring to moving physically to a higher position or location.
Example: "The hikers moved up the mountain trail."
Social status improvement
Use when talking about rising in status, influence, or social standing.
Example: "He moved up in society after his successful investments."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using as intransitive
❌ Wrong: She moves up quickly.
✅ Correct: She moves up the corporate ladder quickly.
💡 Tip: Always include the object of the movement.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: They move uped last year.
✅ Correct: They moved up last year.
💡 Tip: Use the correct past tense form 'moved up'.
Improper separation
❌ Wrong: Move quickly up the ranks.
✅ Correct: Move up the ranks quickly.
💡 Tip: Ensure clarity by placing modifiers after the full phrase.
Practice

MOVE 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

advance ascend

Antonyms

descend

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"He aims to ___ up in his company within two years."

ascend
move up
descend
shift

"In life, choose to move up, seeking growth amidst challenges, as every ascent brings new perspectives and wisdom to cherish."

In Context

In the early 20th century, an ambitious woman named Marie Curie broke through societal barriers, moving up in the male-dominated field of science. Born in Poland, she moved to Paris to attend university, a rare feat for women of her time. Through perseverance and brilliance, she moved up from a modest background to win two Nobel Prizes, becoming the first woman to achieve such a feat. Her groundbreaking research in radioactivity not only advanced science but also moved up societal norms by proving that women could excel in scientific endeavors. Though she faced discrimination and challenges, her determination never wavered. She moved up not just in rank and recognition, but in changing perceptions worldwide. Through her legacy, Marie Curie showed that moving up is more than a personal journey; it's about moving up the standards for those who follow. Today, her story inspires countless individuals to pursue their passions relentlessly, regardless of societal expectations, and to always aim to move up, breaking barriers and forging new paths.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Move Up

What is the origin of move up?

+
The phrase 'move up' dates back to the early use of English when physical movement and social mobility were often connected, reflecting upwards progress in both contexts.

Can move up be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Move up' is versatile and can be effectively used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in corporate communications or casual conversations about personal growth.

What is the difference between move up and advance?

+
Both imply progress, but 'move up' emphasizes elevation in status, position, or level, while 'advance' broadly suggests forward movement in any context.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

move acrossmove aroundmove awaymove throughpan out
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks 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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