Browse all

train up

B2 formal separable transitive

to teach and prepare someone thoroughly, especially from a young age or for a specific role

In plain English

teach someone carefully so they are ready for life or a job

What does "train up" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 idiomatic formal

to educate or guide a child so that they develop good habits and character

"They tried to train their children up to be independent and kind."

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

— Proverbs 22:6, King James Bible
separable
2 B2 formal

to prepare someone with the skills needed for a job or role

"The company trains up local workers for technical positions."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

to train someone upward toward maturity or competence

Actually means

teach someone carefully so they are ready for life or a job

Usage tip

Somewhat old-fashioned or formal in modern English, except in religious language such as 'train up a child'.

Words that pair with "train up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

child children staff workers apprentices recruits

How to conjugate "train up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
train up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
trains up
he/she/it
Past simple
trained up
yesterday
Past participle
trained up
have + pp
-ing form
training up
continuous

Hear "train up" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "train up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "train up"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

bring up coach prepare raise teach train

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.