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Phrasal verbs "bulk up" vs "gear up"

Differences between bulk up and gear up

Bulk up means to increase muscle mass or body weight through exercise and diet, while gear up means to prepare oneself or something for a particular activity or event.

Meanings and Definitions: bulk up vs gear up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Bulk up

  • 1Gain weight, develop bigger muscles.

    He's BULKED UP a lot since he got those steroids.

Gear up

  • 1Get ready for a busy period.

    The shops are GEARING UP for the New Year sales.

Usage Examples: bulk up, gear up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

bulk up

Example

He wants to bulk up before the bodybuilding competition.

Example

She bulks up by lifting weights and eating a high-protein diet.

gear up

Example

The team is gearing up for the big game this weekend.

Example

She gears up for her exams by studying every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bulk up

build muscle

To increase muscle mass through exercise and diet.

Example

He started to build muscle by lifting weights and eating a protein-rich diet.

beef up

To increase in size or strength, often through exercise or training.

Example

The football team needed to beef up their defense to win the championship game.

pump iron

To lift weights, often in a gym setting.

Example

She spends an hour every day pumping iron to stay in shape.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Gear up

prepare for

To get ready for a particular activity or event.

Example

We need to prepare for the upcoming presentation by rehearsing our slides and practicing our delivery.

get set

To prepare oneself mentally and physically for an upcoming activity or event.

Example

The athletes were getting set for the race by stretching and warming up.

brace oneself

To mentally and emotionally prepare oneself for a difficult or challenging situation.

Example

She had to brace herself before delivering the bad news to her team.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “bulk”

Phrasal Verbs with “gear”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in bulk up vs gear up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: bulk up or gear up?

In daily conversation, people use gear up more often than bulk up. This is because gear up is used in a variety of situations, such as preparing for a meeting or getting ready for a trip. Bulk up is a more specific term used mainly in the context of fitness and bodybuilding. So, while both phrases are used, gear up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bulk up and gear up

Bulk up and gear 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 bulk up and gear up

The tone of bulk up and gear up can differ based on context. Bulk up often carries a determined or ambitious tone when related to fitness or bodybuilding, while gear up typically has a practical and focused tone, especially when referring to preparing for an event or activity.

bulk up & gear up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Bulk up

Synonyms

  • gain weight
  • develop muscles
  • build muscle
  • increase muscle mass
  • grow bigger
  • get stronger

Antonyms

  • lose weight
  • slim down
  • shed pounds
  • decrease muscle mass
  • get smaller
  • get weaker

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