sit up

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether there is is a difference between the meaning of the expression in bold used in the following two sentences?

Children ought not to sit up late.

The pacient is much better today. He’s able to sit up in bed. Sit up straight!

Thank you in advance for your efforts.

Regards.

V.

[Batfink]

Originally Posted by vil

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether there is is a difference between the meaning of the expression in bold used in the following two sentences?

Children ought not to sit up late.

The pacient is much better today. He’s able to sit up in bed. Sit up straight!

Thank you in advance for your efforts.

Regards.

V.

Yes they are different. I would like to think that the first is more phrasal in meaning, that the children "stay up late", that is, they do not go to bed at the right time.

The second, I like to think, is more prepositional, that is, the patient is sitting "up". That is, not lying down on the bed.

I am sure another teacher can help you in a much clearer way.

[heidita]

Originally Posted by vil

Children ought not to sit up late. stay up, also: stay with (like in: The nurse sat up with her all night long)

The patient is much better today. He’s able to sit up in bed. Sit up straight!

rise from lying down or sit up with erect spine, both very similar.

It can also mean: become suddenly alert.

[vil]

Hi Batfink,

Thank you for your thorough explanation.The matter in question now is plain as noonday.

Thank you again.

Regards.

V.

[vil]

Hi Heidita,

Thank you for your lifelike explanation. Thank you also for your well-founded emandation.

Regards.

V.