Same verb · different particle

“stand” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 4 one at a time, then test yourself.

4 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

stand

by out up for up to

stand + by · 1 of 4

stand by

be ready to help

stand by for/to do sth

To be prepared to help or take action if needed.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The emergency team will stand by in case anything goes wrong.

A: Are you coming with us now?
B: No, I'll stand by and wait for your call if you need help.

Common mistake

Not: ~~We are~~ standing by ~~for~~ help you.

Say: We're standing by to help you.

'Standing by TO + verb' — not 'for'.

More on “stand by”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important for doctors to stand by during big public events in case of accidents.

Tell it apart

We're standing by to assist.

ready to act

We're standing by our decision.

refusing to change it

Goes with

stand by + readiness

Practice saying this

Next: stand out

stand + out · 2 of 4

stand out

be noticeable

stand out from/among/in sth

To be very easy to see or notice because you are different or better than others.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Her bright red jacket made her stand out in the crowd.

A: Which project do you think will win?
B: I think Sarah's will stand out because it's so creative.

Common mistake

Not: She wants to stand out the other candidates.

Say: She wants to stand out from the other candidates.

To compare with others, use 'stand out FROM' — don't drop 'from'.

More on “stand out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, having a unique skill can help you stand out when applying for a job.

Tell it apart

In that bright suit he really stood out.

was very noticeable

He tried to blend in.

not be noticed

Goes with

stand out + context

Practice saying this

Next: stand up for

stand + up for · 3 of 4

stand up for

defend someone or something

stand up for sth

to support or defend a person, idea, or right, especially when it is being criticized or challenged

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

You should always stand up for your friends if someone is treating them unfairly.

A: Why did you speak up in the meeting?
B: I had to stand up for my team—they worked really hard on that project.

Common mistake

Not: You should stand up your friends.

Say: You should stand up for your friends.

Don't drop 'for'. Without it, 'stand up' just means rise to your feet.

More on “stand up for”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to stand up for your beliefs, even if others disagree with you.

Tell it apart

She stood up for me in the meeting.

defended/supported me

She stood up in the meeting.

literally rose to her feet

Goes with

stand up for

Practice saying this

Next: stand up to

stand + up to · 4 of 4

stand up to

defend yourself against someone or something

stand up to sth

to refuse to accept unfair treatment from a person or group, even if they have more power than you.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She finally stood up to her boss and explained why she deserved a promotion.

A: I heard you argued with your landlord. What happened?
B: I just had to stand up to him because he kept ignoring my complaints.

Common mistake

Not: He never stands up ~~against~~ his boss.

Say: He never stands up to his boss.

'Stand up TO' a person; 'stand up against' is more for causes or ideas.

More on “stand up to”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it’s important to stand up to people who try to take advantage of you, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Tell it apart

She stood up to him.

confronted/resisted him

She stood up for him.

defended him

Goes with

stand up to + oppressor

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “stand” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “stand” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

stand by stand out stand up for stand up to