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change up

B1 informal inseparable both
In simple words

To move to a bigger gear in a car, or to try something different or new.

Literal meaning: To change gear upward (to a higher number) when driving.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To move to a higher gear in a vehicle with manual transmission, usually when accelerating.

"Once you reach 30 mph, change up to third gear for a smoother ride."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To alter or vary something, especially a routine or strategy, to make it more effective or interesting.

"The coach decided to change up the team's formation after three straight losses."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Has two main senses: (1) the driving sense (British English, shift to a higher gear) and (2) an informal sense meaning to vary or alter something, increasingly common in American English and spreading globally. The informal sense is especially common in sports commentary.

Commonly used with

gear speed routine strategy game style

Forms

Base
change up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
changes up
he/she/it
Past simple
changed up
yesterday
Past participle
changed up
have + pp
-ing form
changing up
continuous

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Synonyms

upshift gear up mix it up switch up vary alter

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