up straight

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   In an upright, vertical position, especially of the back or body.

   Grammar: Used after verbs like sit, stand, keep, or pull yourself; the object (if any) goes between the verb and the phrase: sit up straight.

   Patterns

   • sit up straight
   • stand up straight
   • keep your back up straight

   The teacher told the children to sit up straight.

   Stand up straight and look at the camera.

   My mother always said that sitting up straight helps your back.

2. 2adverb

   In a neat, orderly, or properly arranged state again.

   Grammar: Often used with put, set, or get when something has been knocked over or messed up.

   Patterns

   • put something up straight
   • set something up straight
   • get something up straight

   Please put the picture back up straight; it's crooked.

   He knocked the sign over, so I set it up straight again.

Common combinations

sit up straight

Sit up straight or you'll get a sore neck.

stand up straight

The soldiers stood up straight during the ceremony.

keep your back up straight

Try to keep your back up straight while lifting.

hold something up straight

Hold the pole up straight so the tent doesn't fall.

Synonyms and how they differ

upright

Upright is an adjective or adverb describing position; 'up straight' is a phrase that usually follows a verb of sitting, standing, or putting.

erect

Erect is more formal and often describes buildings or structures rather than a person's posture.

Opposites

Word family

straighten up phrasal verb

To make your body or something else straight or tidy.

Commonly confused: up straight or straight up?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “up straight”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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