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Phrasal verbs are quite difficult to learn when English is not your primary language. Besides, even though we may understand how one in particular works, it may -actually, it will! – have different applications. Such is the case of “To warm up”. Keep on reading to find out more about this phrasal verb, its applications and uses, and keep on mastering the English language!
With no intention of becoming technical, the English definition of “to warm” is “to give heat to something”. This, as you will see during this article, does not necessarily mean that we need to set something on fire. Instead, this term is much related to not being cold. So, whether it is aimed at sports, a business meeting, or even an audience expecting a show, we can already think of different ways of warming up, right?
As an athlete, you should already know that it is always good to move a little around before any physical activity, whatever the discipline. By doing this, you are in a way “letting your muscles know” that some intense work is about to come. These movements are generally slow and help you avoid injuries. This activity before any high-performance activity is known as “warming up”. Why? Most likely because muscles tend to get cold if you keep seated for some time, lie down, or even stand but without much movement.
Warming up before practicing sports, as we mentioned above, is quite important for your performance and good health. Professional players warm up every single time before training or playing a match. So, next time you are doing some preparatory exercises, remember that is called “warming up”!
Have you ever been to a stand-up show? Those that generally consist of one single person on stage trying to make people laugh? That is quite a gift some people have, and warming up the audience is fundamental to having good results. Of course, these performers will never start a play with their best gig -or joke-. Before doing so, they need to warm up the audience and make sure that it will respond the way they want to.
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Even though no heat is transferred in this case, we can say that an audience before a show is quite cold. They may be chatting, with expectations, or having a drink. Actors and actresses need to set the climate they need. A simple joke, a funny introduction, or even some music and lights show are good ways of warming up the audience. Next time you go to a show, pay special attention to this!
Whenever we meet new people, we tend to analyze them and see if we can become friends with them or not. There may be some things we do not like or that we feel we need to know before actually being friendly. This feeling results in a “cold” treatment from us towards them. In most cases, this does not last long and we then warm up to them.
Becoming friendly, amiable, or kind to people we have recently met is a way of giving heat to our own personality towards them. The way we talk to them, offering help with something, or showing concern are ways of warming up to people. This scenario may be found on many different occasions. Think of a job meeting, starting a season at a new sports institution, or even changing school. What was your last first reaction towards people you did not know? Could you warm up to them eventually?
So, these are three uses and different applications of the phrase “to warm up”. Can you think of any other? Have you already done any of them, without knowing it was called that way? Share your thoughts and experiences, and remember to subscribe to our newsletter to keep in touch with more tips like this!
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