Phrasal verbs with up

Getting bigger, louder or faster

• speed upThe train sped up once it left the station.
• turn upCould you turn the heating up? It is freezing in here.
• build upShe built up her strength slowly after the operation.

Doing it completely, to the end

• use upWe have used up all the milk.
• eat upEat up, children, or your dinner will get cold.
• clean upPlease clean up your room before your friends arrive.

Making, arranging and starting

• set upThey set up a small business in 2015.
• draw upThe lawyer drew up a contract for both sides.
• make upHe made up an excuse for being late.

Particle meanings are a guide, not a rule. Many verbs mean something quite different from their parts, so check each one.

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