Differences between build up and stack up
Build up means to gradually increase in size, amount, or intensity, while stack up means to accumulate or pile up in a neat and orderly way.
Meanings and Definitions: build up vs stack 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.
Stack up
- 1Put things in a pile.
I STACKED UP the boxes.
- 2Accumulate.
Work STACKED UP while I was away on holiday.
- 3Increase, accumulate something.
I've been STACKING UP a lot of air miles.
- 4Be logical, make sense.
The budget figures don't STACK UP.
- 5Build up the number of planes waiting to land at an airport.
Planes were STACKING UP while the airport was closed after the bomb threat.
Usage Examples: build up, stack 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.
stack up
Example
Please stack up the chairs after the meeting.
Example
He stacks up the newspapers every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Build up
To become larger or more significant over time.
Example
The company's profits began to grow steadily after they introduced their new product line.
To gather or collect over time.
Example
She had accumulated a large collection of books over the years.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stack up
pile up
To accumulate or gather in a messy or disorganized way.
Example
The dirty dishes had piled up in the sink, so she had to wash them all.
line up
To arrange or organize in a straight line or row.
Example
He had to line up the books on the shelf to make room for the new ones.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “build”
Phrasal Verbs with “stack”
Differences in build up vs stack up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: build up or stack up?
Both build up and stack up are commonly used in everyday conversation, but build up is more frequently used than stack up.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of build up and stack up
Both build up and stack up are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, stack up can be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of build up and stack up
The tone of build up is often associated with growth, progress, or anticipation, while the tone of stack up is more neutral and practical.
