Differences between call up and give up

Call up usually means to make a phone call or to bring something to mind, whereas give up generally means to stop trying or to surrender.

Meanings and Definitions: call up vs give up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Call up

1Summon someone for military service.
The army CALLED UP the reserve soldiers when the war broke out.
2Telephone.
I CALLED him UP as soon as I got to a phone to tell him the news.

Give up

1Stop doing something that has been a habit.
I GAVE UP taking sugar in tea and coffee to lose weight.
2Stop being friendly, end relationships.
She GAVE UP all her school friends when she went to university.
3Stop doing something.
I have GIVEN UP trying to help them.
4Surrender, stop trying.
I can't think of the answer; I GIVE UP.
5Sacrifice or dedicate time, etc, to something.
I GAVE UP all my free time to the project.
6Allow someone to sit in your chair, take your place, etc.
I GAVE UP my seat to a pregnant woman.
7Allow or give away a run while pitching ( baseball ).
He has GIVEN UP 14 earned runs in 14 innings.

Usage Examples: call up, give up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

call up

Example

I need to call up my mom to check on her.

Example

She calls up her sister every weekend.

give up

Example

I decided to give up eating junk food.

Example

She gives up too easily when things get tough.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Call up

reminisce

To recall or talk about past events or memories.

Example

We spent the evening reminiscing about our childhood memories.

bring to mind

To remember or think of something.

Example

The smell of freshly baked cookies brings to mind my grandmother's kitchen.

dial up

To make a phone call.

Example

I need to dial up my friend and ask her about the party details.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give up

throw in the towel

To quit or give up on something.

Example

After several failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel and move on to a different project.

abandon hope

To lose faith or give up on a positive outcome.

Example

She felt like she had to abandon hope of finding a job during the pandemic.

let go of

To release or relinquish control or attachment to something.

Example

It was hard for her to let go of her childhood home, but she knew it was time to move on.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “call”

Phrasal Verbs with “give”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in call up vs give up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: call up or give up?

In daily conversation, people use call up more often than give up. This is because call up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as making a phone call or recalling a memory. Give up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about quitting or surrendering. So, while both phrases are used, call up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of call up and give up

Call up and give 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 call up and give up

The tone of call up and give up can differ based on context. Call up often carries a nostalgic or thoughtful tone when related to memories or past events, while give up typically has a negative or defeated tone, especially when referring to quitting or surrendering.

call up & give up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Call up

Synonyms

Antonyms

Give up

Synonyms

Antonyms