Phrasal verbs "board up" vs "button up"

Differences between board up and button up

Board up means to cover or seal a window, door, or building with wooden boards to prevent entry or protect from damage, while button up means to fasten all the buttons on a piece of clothing or to close something tightly.

Meanings and Definitions: board up vs button up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Board up

  • 1Cover windows or doors with wood, metal, etc..

    They BOARDED UP all the windows to stop people getting into the empty houses.

Button up

  • 1To fasten all the buttons on a piece of clothing.

    His jacket was buttoned up right to the neck.

  • 2To fasten all the buttons of a garment.

    None of my jackets buttons up properly.

Usage Examples: board up, button up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

board up

Example

Before the hurricane, we boarded up the windows to protect our home.

Example

The store owner boards up the windows every night for security.

button up

Example

Please button up your coat before going outside.

Example

She always buttons up her shirt before leaving the house.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Board up

To close or block an entrance or exit to prevent access or escape.

Example

The police had to seal off the area after the explosion to investigate the cause.

To block or obstruct a passage or entrance with a barrier or obstacle.

Example

The protesters decided to barricade the street to demand their rights and freedom.

To strengthen or reinforce a place or structure to make it more secure or resistant to attack.

Example

The army had to fortify the border to prevent illegal immigration and smuggling.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Button up

zip up

To fasten a zipper on a piece of clothing or a bag.

Example

She forgot to zip up her backpack, and her books fell out on the way to school.

To shut or fasten something securely to prevent air, water, or light from entering or escaping.

Example

He had to close tightly the jar of pickles to keep them fresh and crunchy.

To fasten all the buttons on a shirt or blouse, especially when wearing a tie or a suit.

Example

He had to button down his shirt and put on a tie for the job interview.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “board”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in board up vs button up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: board up or button up?

In daily conversation, people use button up more often than board up. This is because button up is used for daily routines such as getting dressed or closing a bag. Board up is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about securing a building or protecting it from damage. So, while both phrases are used, button up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of board up and button up

Board up and button up are 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 board up and button up

The tone of board up and button up can differ based on context. Board up often carries a serious or urgent tone when related to securing a building or protecting it from damage, while button up typically has a practical and casual tone, especially when referring to getting dressed or closing something tightly.

board up & button up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Button up

Antonyms

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