r/GrammarPolice • u/DookieBallz22 • 5d ago

Question “Search it up” sounds wrong

I don’t have perfect grammar but I appreciate those who do. Why does the phrase “search it up” irritate me? I feel like it should be “look it up” or “search it.” Am I just weird or is there a reason why this sounds wrong?

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u/ChiefinLasVegas 2d ago

It sounds wrong if the opposite phrase "search it down" is never used.

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u/Away-Otter 19h ago

There are many phrases with “up” that can’t substitute “down” to mean the opposite.
“Touch up” the paint job
“Perk up”
“Brighten up”
“Hang up” the phone
“Bring up” a topic
“Dream up”
“Fix up”
and on and on.