read up on
/riːd ʌp ɑːn/
Meaning
To read a lot about a specific subject in order to gather information, learn about it, or prepare for something. It implies targeted research or background reading to build one's knowledge on a topic.
Examples
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Before starting my research paper, I need to read up on the history of the industrial revolution.
Before starting my research paper, I need to read up on the history of the industrial revolution.
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She spent the entire weekend reading up on qualitative research methods for her sociology class.
She spent the entire weekend reading up on qualitative research methods for her sociology class.
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The professor advised us to read up on the latest developments in artificial intelligence.
The professor advised us to read up on the latest developments in artificial intelligence.
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I want to read up on cognitive psychology before I take the advanced seminar next semester.
I want to read up on cognitive psychology before I take the advanced seminar next semester.
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He read up on the company's background to prepare for his academic internship interview.
He read up on the company's background to prepare for his academic internship interview.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need to read up about the topic.
✓ I need to read up on the topic.
While 'about' is occasionally heard, 'on' is the standard preposition that completes this three-word phrasal verb.
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✗ She readed up on the subject.
✓ She read up on the subject.
The past tense of 'read' is spelled 'read' (pronounced like 'red'), not 'readed'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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You should read up ___ the new lab safety protocols before the experiment.
💡 The preposition that follows 'read up' to introduce the topic.
Show answer
on
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To prepare for the debate, she had to ___ up on international trade laws.
💡 The verb associated with text consumption.
Show answer
read