Step up
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To increase the amount or level of something
Example sentence
The police stepped up security after the incident.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: step up + efforts/security (noun)
step up security
step up efforts
step up patrols
step up pressure
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
The company stepped up its efforts to hire new workers. ✅ (Correct)
The company stepped its efforts up to hire new workers. ✅ (Correct
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To take responsibility or take action when it is needed
Example sentence
When the team needed a leader, she stepped up.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: step up + to (the challenge) / and + verb
step up to the plate
step up to the challenge
step up and help
step up your game
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
Several parents stepped up to help with the school fundraiser. ✅ (Correct)
Several parents stepped to help with the school fundraiser up. ❌ (Incorrect — “step up” stays together)