To take on more responsibility, improve your efforts, or come forward to do something when needed.
Do more, try harder, or take charge when something needs to be done.
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To take on more responsibility or show greater effort, especially in a challenging situation.
"When the team leader quit, Marcus stepped up and kept the project on track."
We need you to step up.
— Barack Obama, various campaign and presidential speeches (widely cited phrase)
To increase the level, speed, or intensity of something.
"The factory has stepped up production to meet the holiday demand."
To move physically to a higher level or to move forward toward something.
"The winner was asked to step up to the podium to receive her medal."
To come forward voluntarily to do something, especially when others hesitate.
"Nobody wanted to organise the fundraiser, but Priya stepped up and offered to run it."
To take a step up to a higher physical level.
Do more, try harder, or take charge when something needs to be done.
One of the most common and versatile phrasal verbs. 'Step up to the plate' (from baseball) means to accept a challenge. Can also mean physically moving up to a higher level. 'Step up production/output' is separable and transitive.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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