GET UP is one of the most essential phrasal verbs in English. You'll use it every single day, so mastering its pronunciation is crucial for sounding natural.
Basic Pronunciation
Stress Pattern
In phrasal verbs, the particle (up, down, on, off, etc.) usually carries the main stress. For GET UP:
- get = unstressed (shorter, softer)
- UP = stressed (longer, louder, higher pitch)
Say it like: "get UP" not "GET up"
Connected Speech: The Key to Sounding Natural
In natural speech, GET UP doesn't sound like two separate words. The final /t/ in "get" links to the vowel /ʌ/ in "up":
- Written: get up
- Sounds like: "ge-TUP" /ɡeˈtʌp/
The /t/ "jumps" to the next syllable, creating smooth connected speech.
Practice Examples with Linking
Different Meanings, Same Pronunciation
GET UP has several meanings, but the pronunciation stays the same:
1. Rise from bed
2. Stand from sitting
3. Increase (informal)
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
1. Adding a vowel before "get"
Spanish speakers often add an /e/ sound before consonant clusters. Don't say "eh-get up" — start directly with /ɡ/.
2. Equal stress on both words
Spanish tends to give equal weight to syllables. Remember: stress UP, not "get."
3. Not linking the sounds
Don't pause between "get" and "up." Link them: "ge-TUP."
Practice Sentences
Read these aloud, focusing on stress and linking:
- "I get UP at six." → /aɪ ɡeˈtʌp ət ˈsɪks/
- "Time to get UP!" → /taɪm tə ɡeˈtʌp/
- "She doesn't want to get UP." → /ʃi ˈdʌzənt wɑnt tə ɡeˈtʌp/
- "Get UP and stretch!" → /ɡeˈtʌp ən stretʃ/
GET UP vs. WAKE UP
These are often confused:
- Wake up = become conscious (open your eyes)
- Get up = physically rise from bed
You can wake up at 6 AM but not get up until 6:30!
Quick Summary
- Stress falls on UP: get UP
- Link the /t/ to /ʌ/: "ge-TUP" /ɡeˈtʌp/
- Don't add a vowel before "get"
- Practice with connected speech for natural rhythm
Ready to practice more phrasal verbs? Check out our guide on how to pronounce WAKE UP.