Differences between build up and rack up
Build up means to gradually increase or accumulate something, while rack up means to accumulate a large amount of something quickly or in a short period of time.
Meanings and Definitions: build up vs rack 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.
Rack up
- 1Acquire a lot of something.
He's RACKED UP a number of convictions for speeding.
- 2Damage.
They RACKED UP the car in an accident.
Usage Examples: build up, rack 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.
rack up
Example
She managed to rack up a lot of points in the game.
Example
He racks up a lot of frequent flyer miles with his job.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Build up
To gather or collect something over time.
Example
She was able to accumulate a large collection of stamps from all over the world.
To increase in size or quantity over time.
Example
The company was able to grow its profits by expanding into new markets.
To gradually improve or advance something over time.
Example
He was able to develop his skills as a musician by practicing every day.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rack up
To accumulate a large amount of something quickly or in a short period of time.
Example
He was able to amass a fortune by investing in the stock market at the right time.
pile up
To accumulate or gather in a disorderly way.
Example
The dishes started to pile up in the sink after the party.
run up
To accumulate a large debt or bill.
Example
He was able to run up a huge credit card bill during his vacation.
Differences in build up vs rack up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: build up or rack up?
Both build up and rack up are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, rack up is more commonly used in informal contexts, such as with friends or family, while build up can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of build up and rack up
Build up is generally considered more formal than rack up. It can be used in academic or professional contexts, while rack up is more suitable for casual conversations.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of build up and rack up
The tone of build up is often gradual and steady, while rack up has a more sudden and intense tone.
