Today you’ll learn English phrasal verbs that show enthusiasm.
Why can you say “I’m down” but not “I’m up”?
In this second part of a two-part series, the All Ears English team share with you three new phrases.
These are great ways to say that you want to do something in a casual and approachable way.
They show enthusiasm and excitement for a task.
You’ll also learn one way that does not show enthusiasm that you may want to avoid.
What’s something you’re always up for?
Lindsay is always up for eating dessert at any time of the day.
She will always eat dessert when it’s offered to her.
Aubrey has lately been up for cheese.
She discovered delicious cheeses from Trader Joe’s.
She likes all cheeses but if she had to pick one, she would choose sharp cheddar.
Today’s episode is the second part of a two-part series.
The previous episode was AEE 1960: Start Off your Day with these Phrasal Verbs.
This was inspired by a question from Conrado from Brazil.
Hello Lindsay and the whole team at All Ears English.
My name is Conrado and I live in a monastery in Brazil.
All of us here who are preparing for a mission in our monastery in Ohio listen to your podcast.
Although I live with two Americans, they couldn’t explain to me the difference between start out and start off, and also when I’m up for it and I’m down with it.
Thank you very much for all your work, please keep it up!
Expressions to be ‘up for’
Lindsay and Aubrey share that these are fantastic native expressions.
They first tackle the phrasal verb ‘up for’.
Here is the definition, how to use it, and some examples:
#1: Up for it
This expression means to be willing and interested to do something.
It is rare that you would hear a native English speaker say “I’m willing.”
This does not imply enthusiasm.
Rather, they would say “Yes, I’m up for it.”
Example:
Want to go axe-throwing? Yeah, I’m up for it!
I’m up for a drink.
I’m up for anything or whatever (when lots of options are given)
#2: Not up for it
This is the opposite expression to ‘up for it.’
It means that you are not willing or interested to do what is asked of you.
Example:
I asked Megan to join us but she wasn’t up for it
I’m not up for going out tonight.
#3: Down for
You can use this as an alternative to ‘up for it.’
It’s a similar expression to use which means you are willing and interested in doing something.
This is more casual and playful.
Depending on the relationship, you might not want to use this in a business setting.
Example:
I’m down for getting a coffee.
Want to meet for a coffee? I’m down.
#4: Down with it
This has a different meaning from ‘down for.’
It is used to say you understand or approve of something.
Example:
I’m down with that idea.
Are you down with going out tonight?
#5: Not down with it
This is the opposite of ‘down with.’
You can use this to say you do not understand or do not approve of something.
This is also a playful way to say you are not okay with something.
It is light and doesn’t sound too negative.
Example:
I’m not down with lying to her.
He said he was not down with her behavior.
Roleplay
The following roleplay highlights the difference between ‘up for it’ and ‘down for it.’
This will help you to better understand how to use these terms in a conversation.
In this scenario, Aubrey and Lindsay are deciding what to order at a restaurant
Lindsay: Want to try the crispy Brussel sprout appetizer?
Aubrey: I’m down! Sounds delicious.
Lindsay: What are you thinking for an entree?
Aubrey: I’m up for either a panini or a club sandwich. Or do you want to share a sandwich and a salad?
Lindsay: Oh yeah, I’m up for that!
Aubrey: And I’m always down with dessert so save room!
Takeaway
It is always good to learn phrasal verbs that are casual and light to sound more natural in English.
The expressions shared in today’s episode are very encouraging phrasal verbs.
These are great to use in a conversation to make your conversations more interesting.
Rather than saying, “I’m willing”, you can say “I’m down for…”
Keep using vocabulary that will elevate your vocabulary and make better connections.
This will help you build relationships to learn casual positive expressions.
What other English phrasal verbs do you often hear in casual conversation?
Put it in the comments below!
