Meaning trap

cheer up

feel happier

To start feeling happier, especially after feeling sad or disappointed.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

feel happier

To start feeling happier, especially after feeling sad or disappointed.

cheer up (make someone happier)

Another meaning of 'cheer up' is 'make someone happier'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

I was feeling sad about my exam results, but I cheered up after talking to my friends.daily life
When I feel stressed about my studies, I usually cheer up by listening to music or going for a walk.IELTS speaking

Pattern: cheer up (no object)

WrongCheer up yourself, it's not so bad.

RightCheer up, it's not so bad.

When telling someone to feel happier, 'cheer up' takes no object — just 'cheer up'.

Patterncheer up (no object)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I began to feel considerably more cheerful after the conversation.

Natural I cheered up after we talked.

'Cheer up' is the everyday verb for a mood lifting; the formal version is flat.

Words that usually travel with it.

Compare with 'cheer up (make someone happier)', which is about helping another person feel better.

cheer up (make someone happier) — Another meaning of 'cheer up' is 'make someone happier'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.