Phrasal verbs "build up" vs "turn up"

Differences between build up and turn up

Build up means to gradually increase or accumulate something, while turn up means to arrive or appear, especially unexpectedly.

Meanings and Definitions: build up vs turn 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.

Turn up

  • 1Appear.

    She didn't TURN UP for class today.

  • 2Increase volume, temperature, etc..

    I TURNED the music UP full blast.

Usage Examples: build up, turn 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.

turn up

Example

Please turn up the volume; I can't hear the movie.

Example

She always turns up the heat when she gets home.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Build up

To gradually gather or collect something over time.

Example

If you don't clean your room regularly, dust will accumulate and cause allergies.

mount up

To increase gradually in quantity or intensity.

Example

The pressure to finish the project on time started to mount up and affect everyone's mood.

pile up

To accumulate or gather in a disorderly way.

Example

If you don't sort your mail regularly, it will pile up and create a mess.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn up

show up

To arrive or appear at a place or event.

Example

I hope my friend will show up at the party tonight.

pop up

To appear suddenly or unexpectedly.

Example

A lot of ads pop up when I browse the internet, and it's annoying.

To arrive or visit a place or person.

Example

My grandparents come around every Sunday for lunch, and we love spending time with them.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “build”

Phrasal Verbs with “turn”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: build up or turn up?

In daily conversation, people use turn up more often than build up. This is because turn up is used to describe someone's arrival or appearance, which happens frequently in social situations. On the other hand, build up is used less often and usually in specific contexts such as describing the accumulation of stress or tension.

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

Build up and turn 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 turn up

The tone of build up and turn up can differ based on context. Build up often carries a negative or stressful tone when related to tension or pressure, while turn up typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to someone's arrival or appearance.

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