The phrasal verb 'go up' is predominantly used in informal speech, though it can appear in more neutral formal contexts. It generally describes the action of something rising or increasing, such as prices, temperatures, or buildings. For example, 'The rent's going up' or 'A new skyscraper is going up downtown.' In addition, 'go up' can describe approaching an institution like a university ("go up to Cambridge") or commencing a process ("the curtain went up" indicating the start of a performance). This versatility makes it a common choice in everyday conversations as well as journalistic writing when describing fluctuating statistics or construction updates. However, it is less frequently used in very formal or academic writing where more precise language might be prioritized.
A2
Elementary
1. To move upwards or to a higher position.
The price of gas tends to go up during the summer months.
The elevator will go up to the top floor.
2. To increase in amount, size, or level.
The volume will go up if you press that button.
The company's profits are expected to go up this quarter.
3. To rise into the air or onto a different level.
The balloon went up into the sky, carried by the wind.
Smoke went up from the chimney.
4. To be built or erected.
A new shopping mall is going up in our neighborhood.
The tent went up quickly with everyone's help.
5. To advance to a higher academic or professional position.
After completing his degree, he went up to university in the city.
He went up the corporate ladder rapidly due to his hard work.