go up

become higher in price or amount

B1

What does "go up" mean?

When something 'goes up', it increases in amount, price, or level — often without anyone specifically choosing to make it happen. This phrasal verb is most commonly used with things like prices, costs, rent, taxes, temperatures, and interest rates. It describes the increase itself, from the thing that is changing, not from the person or company causing the change. For example, you might say 'Food prices have gone up again' to describe a general rise, not to blame a specific person. It is a very natural, everyday phrase that works in conversation, news reports, and business discussions.

Examples

How to use it

subject + go up

The subject is always the thing that increases — a price, cost, rate, or level — never a person.

Electricity bills have gone up a lot this winter.

subject + go up + by + amount

Use 'by' to specify how much the increase was.

Train fares went up by 8% at the start of the year.

subject + go up + to + figure

Use 'to' to show the new level or value something has reached.

The temperature went up to 38 degrees in the afternoon.

adverb + go up

Adverbs like sharply, steadily, slightly, and dramatically are commonly placed before or after the verb to describe the speed or size of the increase.

The cost of living has risen steadily — rents have gone up sharply in particular.

Common Collocations

pricesrentcostsinterest ratestaxesthe cost of living

Common Mistakes

Wrong tense with a finished time period

Use the past simple when you mention a specific finished time in the past, like 'last year' or 'in 2020'. The present perfect is used for recent changes without a specific time, or for time periods that are still ongoing.

✗ Prices have gone up last year.
✓ Prices went up last year. / Prices have gone up recently.
Confusing 'go up' with 'put up'

'Go up' describes the increase itself and has no object — the price goes up on its own. 'Put up' is used when a person or company actively raises something, and it needs an object.

✗ The landlord went up the rent.
✓ The landlord put up the rent. / The rent went up.

Usage

This intransitive phrasal verb cannot be separated and has no passive form. It is neutral in register and works equally well in conversation, news, and business contexts. Use 'by' to add an amount ('went up by 10%') or 'to' for a specific figure ('went up to €500').

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'go up' always mean prices are increasing?

No — this phrasal verb has a few different meanings. It can also mean to physically move to a higher place, to be built, or to catch fire. However, the context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended. When the subject is a price, cost, rate, or number, it means to increase.

What kinds of things can 'go up'?

Typically things that can be measured or counted — prices, rent, costs, taxes, interest rates, wages, temperatures, sales, and numbers. The key idea is that the subject is a quantity or level that is rising on its own.

Can I use adverbs with 'go up' to say how much something increased?

Yes, adverbs work very naturally with this phrasal verb. Common choices include sharply, dramatically, steadily, and slightly. You can also use 'by' plus an amount ('went up by 20%') or 'to' plus a figure ('went up to €1,500') to be more specific.

Is 'go up' less formal than 'increase' or 'rise'?

It is slightly less formal, but the difference is small. 'Go up' is perfectly acceptable in news articles, business reports, and professional conversations. If you are writing a very formal academic essay, 'rise' or 'increase' might be a safer choice, but in most situations 'go up' sounds natural and clear.

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