Two common phrases about mornings are “wake up” and “get up.” They both involve leaving sleep, but mean different things.
- Wake up: Your brain becomes alert from sleep. You’re conscious but might still be in bed.
- Get up: You physically rise out of bed and start your day.
Here’s a breakdown of how they are used:
| Phrase | Meaning | Example | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake up | Become conscious or stop sleeping | I usually wake up at 6 a.m. | begins the process of ending sleep |
| Get up | Leave the bed and get out of it | I get up around 6:15 a.m. | physically rises and starts moving |
️ Timing: You can wake up but stay in bed. You can only get up if you actually leave the bed.
Usage: These phrases are used not only in the morning but also after naps or rest.
- I woke up for a drink in the night.*
- She got up to answer the door.*
How to Use “Wake Up”
- Wake up + time: “I wake up at 7.”
- Wake up + someone: “Can you wake me up at 6?”
- Wake up + feeling/condition: “I woke up feeling tired.”
How to Use “Get Up”
- Get up + time: “I get up at 7:30.”
- Get up + from somewhere: “He got up from the couch.”
- Get up + to do something: “I got up to make coffee.”
Summary
- “Wake up” = stop sleeping / become conscious
- “Get up” = get out of bed / start moving
Wake up is about your mind becoming alert. Get up is about your body moving.
Understanding this difference will help you describe your morning routine more naturally and avoid common mistakes.
Which sentence correctly uses both “wake up” and “get up”?
I wake up at 6 and get up at 6:15.
You always wake up before you get up, never the other way around.
Can you say “I woke up the bed”? Why or why not?
No, because “wake up” can take a person as an object, but “bed” is not a person.
“Wake up” is used with people or animals, not objects like a bed.
Flashcards (1 of 2)
- Phrase: Wake up
- Meaning: Become conscious or stop sleeping
- Example: I usually wake up at 6 a.m.
- Example in English: begins the process of ending sleep
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
