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Phrasal verbs "be snowed under" vs "be up"

Differences between be snowed under and be up

Be snowed under means to be overwhelmed with a lot of work or tasks, while be up means to be awake or out of bed.

Meanings and Definitions: be snowed under vs be up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Be snowed under

  • 1Have too much work.

    We're completely SNOWED UNDER at work because it's the end of the tax year.

Be up

  • 1Be out of bed.

    She's not UP yet.

  • 2Have increased or risen.

    The company's profits ARE UP by fifteen percent.

  • 3When the time for something finishes or expires.

    Time's UP, please finish your drinks and leave.

Usage Examples: be snowed under, be up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

be snowed under

Example

I am snowed under with work this week.

Example

She is snowed under with assignments and exams.

be up

Example

She will be up early tomorrow morning.

Example

He is up and getting ready for work.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be snowed under

be swamped

To be overwhelmed with a lot of work or tasks.

Example

I can't go out tonight, I'm swamped with work and need to finish it all by tomorrow.

be buried in

To have too much work or tasks to handle.

Example

I'm sorry, I can't take on any more projects right now, I'm buried in work already.

be drowning in

To be overwhelmed with a lot of work or tasks to the point of feeling suffocated.

Example

I'm drowning in work and can't seem to catch up, I need to take a break.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be up

be awake

To be conscious and not sleeping.

Example

I woke up early this morning and was already awake when my alarm went off.

be out of bed

To have gotten out of bed and be up and moving around.

Example

I got out of bed as soon as my alarm went off and started getting ready for the day.

be alert

To be fully awake and aware of one's surroundings.

Example

After drinking a cup of coffee, I felt more alert and ready to start my day.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in be snowed under vs be up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: be snowed under or be up?

In daily conversation, be up is more common than be snowed under. This is because be up is a simple and common phrase used to describe someone's state of being awake. Be snowed under is less common and usually used in specific situations where someone is overwhelmed with work or tasks.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of be snowed under and be up

Be snowed under and be up are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of be snowed under and be up

The tone of be snowed under and be up can differ based on context. Be snowed under often carries a stressed or overwhelmed tone, while be up typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to being awake and ready for the day.

be snowed under & be up: Synonyms and Antonyms

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