Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Move Up'

In this episode of Easy English Expressions, Coach Shane explores the versatile phrasal verb "move up." Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, he breaks down the dual meanings of this expression, illustrating how it applies to both physical movement and professional success.

The Two Faces of 'Move Up'

Coach Shane identifies two primary definitions for the phrase:

1. Professional Advancement: This is the figurative meaning, referring to climbing the corporate ladder. As Shane explains, to "move up" means "to get a promotion, to advance, to do better, to get into a higher position." He highlights the success story of his student, Tom, an engineer in South Dakota. By working hard and mastering his English skills, Tom successfully moved up within his company, transitioning from one level to a higher one.
2. Physical Elevation: The literal definition involves moving between levels of a building. Using the example of moving from the first floor to the second floor of a house, Shane clarifies that the phrase describes a change in location to a higher plane.

The Synergy of Language and Success

A core theme of the episode is the correlation between English proficiency and career growth. Coach Shane emphasizes that for non-native speakers living in different cultures, like his student Tom, language is a critical tool. Tom’s success was attributed to two factors: his inherent "skill" as a "smart guy" and the significant improvement in his English, specifically his "speaking" and "pronunciation." Shane notes that when students commit to "mastering" their English, they are inevitably "moving up in the world."

Practical Application: The Dialogue

To demonstrate the double meaning of the phrase, Shane presents a dialogue set in an elevator. A colleague asks, "Second floor?" expecting to go to the second floor, only for the other person to respond, "Nope. I'm on the third floor now." The realization that the person has earned a promotion leads to the observation, "A promotion. You're moving up." This interaction perfectly captures the shift from the literal floor number to the figurative career advancement.

Educational Opportunities and Community

Coach Shane concludes the episode by discussing his educational programs, specifically the DDM (Daily Dictation Members) and perf (Performance) courses. Due to the challenges posed by the "COVID-19" pandemic, he announced an extended sale on his memberships. He encourages motivated students who are "hungry to master English" to join his programs to accelerate their own professional journeys.

By leveraging promo codes like "stay home VIP" or "stay home weekly," students can gain access to his structured lessons. Ultimately, Shane’s message is one of encouragement: by dedicating time to study and practice, anyone can improve their situation, expand their capabilities, and effectively "move up" in their respective fields.