1 B2 idiomatic informal
To enter a competition, apply for a position, or be considered for something.
"She's going up for the head of department role at the end of the year."
inseparable
go up for
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To enter a competition, apply for a position, or be considered for an award or promotion.
In plain English
To try for something, like entering a competition or putting your name forward for a job or prize.
What does "go up for" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
More common in British English. Often used in professional or entertainment contexts: promotions, awards, elections, auditions. Implies voluntary participation or candidacy.
Words that pair with "go up for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
election award promotion role prize selection
How to conjugate "go up for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
go up for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes up for
he/she/it
Past simple
went up for
yesterday
Past participle
gone up for
have + pp
-ing form
going up for
continuous
Hear "go up for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "go up for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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