Phrasal verbs "build up" vs "put up"

Differences between build up and put up

Build up means to increase or strengthen something over time, while put up means to place something in a specific location or to provide temporary accommodation for someone.

Meanings and Definitions: build up vs put up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Build up

  • 1Develop a company.

    She BUILT the business UP from nothing into a market leader in less than a decade.

  • 2Increase.

    Tension has been BUILDING UP ever since the government passed the unpopular law.

Put up

  • 1Allow someone to stay at your house for a night or a few days..

    She PUT me UP for the night because I'd missed the last bus and there were no night buses running.

  • 2Increase prices, taxes, duties, etc..

    The government has PUT tuition fees for undergraduate students UP again.

  • 3Show skill or determination in a contest, competition, fight, etc.

    They PUT UP a great fight but lost.

Usage Examples: build up, put up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

build up

Example

He wants to build up his savings for a new car.

Example

She builds up her strength by exercising every day.

put up

Example

I put up my cousin for the weekend while he was in town.

Example

She puts up her friends whenever they visit the city.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Build up

To grow or improve something over time through effort and dedication.

Example

She worked hard to develop her skills and eventually became a successful artist.

To make something larger or stronger over time in small increments.

Example

He decided to increase his running distance gradually to avoid injury and build endurance.

To accumulate or gather a large amount of something over time.

Example

Over the years, he was able to amass a significant collection of rare books and manuscripts.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put up

hang up

To place something on a wall or other vertical surface using a hook or nail.

Example

She decided to hang up the painting in the living room to add some color to the space.

set up

To arrange or assemble something in a particular way or location.

Example

He helped set up the chairs and tables for the party in the backyard.

To provide lodging or temporary housing for someone.

Example

The hotel was able to accommodate all the guests who arrived late at night due to flight delays.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “build”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in build up vs put up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: build up or put up?

In daily conversation, people use put up more often than build up. This is because put up is used for more common tasks such as hanging a picture or hosting guests. Build up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about increasing something over time. So, while both phrases are used, put up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of build up and put up

Build up and put 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 build up and put up

The tone of build up and put up can differ based on context. Build up often carries a positive or ambitious tone when related to growth or development, while put up typically has a practical and helpful tone, especially when referring to providing temporary accommodation or setting up an object.

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