Basic English Usage
Verbs
Phrasal verbs combine verbs with other words to create unique meanings. There are many that use the word up:
clear up = to become clear; to explain to everyone's satisfaction
You don't need your umbrella: it cleared up outside.
If you would clear up this one issue, we could proceed.
warm up = to become warm
warm up to = to become friends
It's cold out there. Come in and warm up by the fire.
People are warming up to the new employee.
open something up = to start a business; begin business for the day
He opened up a new retail store on the other side of town.
He opens up his store at 8 a.m.
bring something up = to mention something
I would like to bring up a new topic.
He will bring it up at the meeting.
look something up = to find; to seek information about something
We have to look up the proper procedure.
I will look it up on the shared drive.
Lesson: Phrasal Verbs 2
Module: Verbs
Course: Basic English Usage