Pronunciation: [fˈɔːm ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrasal verb "form up" is straightforward: the first word "form" is spelled as spelled, and the second word "up" is spelled /ʌp/. In IPA phonetic transcription, "form" is pronounced /fɔːm/, and "up" is pronounced /ʌp/. Together, "form up" means to come together in a particular formation or arrangement. It is often used in the context of military drills or sports teams completing a pre-game routine.
Form up is a phrasal verb that typically means to organize or arrange yourself in a specific formation or structure. It is commonly used in military contexts but can also be applied to other areas such as sports or group activities.
In a military sense, form up refers to the act of gathering and positioning soldiers into a well-ordered and disciplined formation. This is often done in response to a command, with soldiers aligning themselves according to a predetermined pattern or layout. The purpose of forming up is to ensure unity, coordination, and effectiveness when carrying out the next set of instructions or engaging in a particular mission.
Beyond the military, form up can also be used to describe the process of assembling or organizing a group of people or objects in a specific arrangement. This could include forming a line, a circle, or any other desired configuration. In team sports, players may need to form up in a particular formation before executing a play or strategy.
Overall, form up implies a deliberate and systematic gathering or positioning of individuals or things into a structured arrangement. Whether in a military or non-military context, form up conveys the idea of order, discipline, and preparedness, ensuring that individuals are ready to act as a unified whole towards a common goal.
The phrase "form up" is a colloquialism that originated from military jargon. The word "form" in this context refers to organizing or arranging troops into a specific formation. It can be traced back to Old French "formare", meaning "to shape" or "to form". The term "up" is used to indicate completion or readiness. Therefore, "form up" means to assemble or organize oneself into a particular arrangement or formation, often used in a military or group context.
