 Mon Nov 06, 2006 15:05 pm Expressions: Open up, wait up, etc |
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| Tom wrote: | Hi
Could you please tell me why and when we use up with the following verbs?
1- Hey, open up! --> Without context, I would understand "Open the door".
2- Hey, wait up! = Wait for me. (informal usage of 'wait up') |
A few examples:
After a lot of careful prodding, she finally opened up and told me what was troubling her. (open up = stop hiding feelings/speak openly and honestly)
They opened up a new business last week.
I bought a Porsche yesterday and I could hardly wait to get on the autobahn and open it up. (open it up = drive at high speed)
I waited up for him so that I could give him the news as soon as he got home. (waited up = I didn't go to bed)
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English |
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Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
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Location: USA
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