Differences between call up and sign up
Call up usually means to make a phone call or to summon someone, whereas sign up generally means to register or enroll in something.
Meanings and Definitions: call up vs sign 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.
Sign up
- 1Give your name to do something.
I've SIGNED UP as a volunteer.
- 2Subscribe.
I SIGNED UP for their newsletter.
Usage Examples: call up, sign 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.
sign up
Example
I want to sign up for the yoga class.
Example
She signs up for the newsletter every month.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Call up
ring up
To make a phone call to someone.
Example
I need to ring up my friend and ask her about the party details.
To request someone to come to a particular place or to appear before someone.
Example
The boss summoned the employees to his office for an urgent meeting.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sign up
Differences in call up vs sign up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: call up or sign up?
In daily conversation, people use call up more often than sign up. This is because call up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as making a phone call or asking someone to come over. Sign up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about enrolling in a course or program. So, while both phrases are used, call up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of call up and sign up
Call up and sign 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 sign up
The tone of call up and sign up can differ based on context. Call up often carries a friendly or urgent tone when related to making a phone call or inviting someone, while sign up typically has a formal and serious tone, especially when referring to registering for a course or program.