Grammar fix
step up
increase effort
To increase your effort, activity, production, or pressure when more is needed.
phrasal verb
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
We need to step up our efforts if we want to finish by Friday.
During exam season, I usually step up my revision and spend less time watching television.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The police have stepped on security at the station.
Say: The police have stepped up security at the station.
'Step on' means put your foot on something; for increasing, it's 'step up'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Do more, faster or harder
How formalCasualBusiness
crank upCasual: turn up effort, pressure or volume a lot.
step upYou're here · Increasing efforts, activity, production, or pressure.
ramp upBusiness talk: increase production or activity quickly.