Phrases & Expressions

To agree to join or participate in an activity or service.

• I signed up for a yoga class.
• Did you sign up for the newsletter?

To move from a lying position to a sitting position.

• He sat up in bed when he heard the noise.
• The patient was too weak to sit up without help.

To become thinner or lighter.

• She is trying to slim down.
• The company had to slim down its operations.

To explain something very clearly, often by using simple words or letters.

• Could you spell out your surname for me?
• The instructions were spelled out in simple terms.

To remain in a place after others have left.

• Some students stayed behind to help the teacher.
• He stayed behind in the village while his brothers moved abroad.

To remain at home instead of going out.

• Let's stay in tonight.
• He stayed in all weekend.

To stay away from home, especially until late at night.

• My parents don't let me stay out after midnight.
• We stayed out until two in the morning.

To remain awake instead of going to bed.

• Ted and Amber stayed up all night talking.
• Whenever I stay up late, I regret it.

To collect dust, dirt or small pieces into one place with a broom.

• Can you sweep up the crumbs?
• He swept up the leaves in the garden.

To fetch something off a shelf or wall.

• Please take down the picture from the wall.
• Take down my phone number.