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read up

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To read a lot about something so you know more about it.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To study a topic by reading about it, especially to prepare for something.

"Before the interview, I read up on the company's history and recent projects."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To learn about a subject informally through reading for one's own interest.

"She spent the weekend reading up on astronomy after watching a documentary about black holes."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Usually followed by 'on': 'read up on something'. Implies focused, purposeful reading to gain knowledge about a specific topic, often before a meeting, interview, trip, or exam.

Commonly used with

subject topic history destination condition company

Forms

Base
read up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reads up
he/she/it
Past simple
read up
yesterday
Past participle
read up
have + pp
-ing form
reading up
continuous

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Synonyms

study research look into bone up on swot up on mug up on

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