step up

No object

This verb takes no object at all.

How to say it

Stress the particle, not the verb: step UP. Saying “STEP up” is the clearest learner tell — the verb stays light and the particle carries the beat.

Link across the gap. The final /p/ of “step” moves onto the particle and starts its syllable: “step up” is said “ste-pup”. Pausing between the words is what makes phrasal verbs sound recited rather than spoken.

What it means

To take on responsibility, or to increase effort.
- “When the manager left, she stepped up and ran the team.”
- “We need to step up production before the holidays.”
Similar: take charge, increase

The particle logic

Something is finished, raised, improved, or brought together.

Listen + practice

Hear “step up” spoken naturally

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Read the sentence aloud. Keep the stress on the particle and run the two words together — we’ll score every sound and flag what to work on.

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More STEP phrasal verbs

Compare the whole family →

step down

To resign from a position of authority.

step in

To intervene in a situation.

step up — meaning, examples & how to say it