1 A2 neutral
To move to a higher physical position.
"She went up the stairs two at a time."
inseparable
go up
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To move to a higher position, for a price or level to increase, for a building to be constructed, or for something to catch fire.
In plain English
To move higher, to increase in price, to be built, or to suddenly burst into flames.
What does "go up" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 idiomatic neutral
For prices, levels, or amounts to increase.
"The price of fuel went up again this month."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral
To catch fire suddenly and burn intensely (often 'go up in flames').
"The warehouse went up in flames in the early hours of the morning."
inseparable
4 B1 idiomatic neutral
For a building or structure to be erected or constructed.
"New apartment blocks are going up all along the river."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move upward.
Actually means
To move higher, to increase in price, to be built, or to suddenly burst into flames.
Usage tip
Extremely versatile and common. The price-increase sense dominates in news and everyday financial conversation. The fire sense ('went up in flames') is idiomatic and vivid. In British university usage, 'go up' can also mean going to university at the start of term.
Words that pair with "go up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
prices flames smoke stairs building temperature
How to conjugate "go up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
go up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes up
he/she/it
Past simple
went up
yesterday
Past participle
gone up
have + pp
-ing form
going up
continuous
Hear "go up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "go up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.