What Does “Summon sth up” Mean?
“Summon sth up” means to bring a feeling, memory, or image into your mind. It often refers to recalling emotions or thoughts intentionally or suddenly.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “summon sth up” is commonly used in English to describe the act of calling forth thoughts, feelings, or memories. When you summon something up, you are actively trying to remember or create a certain mood or idea inside your mind. For example, you might summon up courage before a big speech or summon up memories from your childhood. Understanding the “summon sth up” meaning helps learners use this phrase naturally in everyday conversations and writing.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Summon something up
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To bring a feeling, memory, or image into your mind
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Summon sth up” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can put the object either between “summon” and “up” or after “up.”
- Summon something up
- Summon up something
Both forms are correct, but placing the object between the verb and particle is more common. Remember, the object must be a noun or pronoun.
How to Use Summon sth up?
Use “summon sth up” when you want to talk about calling forth a feeling, memory, or image. It often relates to emotions or mental images that require effort to remember or create.
Examples of contexts include:
- Trying to remember a past event
- Bringing courage or confidence before an important moment
- Creating a mood or atmosphere
Examples
Here are some examples showing how to use “summon sth up” in a sentence:
- Before the interview, she had to summon up all her confidence to speak clearly.
- The old photographs summoned up memories of their childhood.
- His speech summoned up feelings of hope among the audience.
- It’s hard to summon up the energy to exercise after a long day.
- Can you summon up the image of your first day at school?
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the structure or use the wrong object. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: She summoned up quickly the courage.
Correct: She quickly summoned up the courage. - Incorrect: He summoned up to memories.
Correct: He summoned up memories.
Remember to keep the object directly after “summon” or after “up” and avoid adding extra words like “to.”
Differences / Synonyms
“Summon sth up” is similar to “call up,” “bring back,” or “evoke,” but there are subtle differences:
- Call up: Often used for memories or images, similar to “summon up.”
- Bring back: Commonly used for memories or feelings, but less formal.
- Evoke: More formal, usually about feelings or memories caused by something external.
“Summon sth up” emphasizes the effort or willpower to bring something to mind.
Common Collocations
We often use “summon sth up” with certain nouns that relate to feelings, memories, or mental images.
- Summon up courage: Bring confidence or bravery.
- Summon up memories: Recall past events.
- Summon up feelings: Bring emotions to mind.
- Summon up energy: Find strength or motivation.
- Summon up images: Create mental pictures.
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “summon sth up”:
Anna: I feel nervous about the presentation tomorrow.
Ben: Just try to summon up some confidence. You’ve prepared well.
Anna: I will. I need to remember all the hard work I did.
Practice
Complete the sentences by choosing the correct phrase:
- Before the exam, I had to ________ all my courage.
- a) summon up
- b) bring back
- c) call off
- The old song ________ happy memories for me.
- a) summoned up
- b) called off
- c) threw away
FAQ
- What does “summon sth up” mean?
It means to bring a feeling, memory, or image into your mind. - Is “summon sth up” separable?
Yes, you can place the object between “summon” and “up” or after “up.” - Can I use “summon up” with any object?
It usually works with feelings, memories, images, or energy. - Is “summon sth up” formal or informal?
It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - What is a common mistake with “summon sth up”?
Placing unnecessary words like “to” or misplacing the object.
