Phrasal verbs "call up" vs "sign up"

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.

To ask someone to come to your house or a particular place.

Example

We should invite over our neighbors for dinner and get to know them better.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sign up

To register or join a course, program, or organization.

Example

I want to enroll in a yoga class to improve my flexibility and reduce stress.

To officially sign up for a course, event, or activity.

Example

Don't forget to register for the conference before the deadline to secure your spot.

To submit an application or request to be considered for a job, program, or opportunity.

Example

She decided to apply for the scholarship to pursue her dream of studying abroad.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “call”

Phrasal Verbs with “sign”

Phrasal Verbs with “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.

call up & sign up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Sign up

Antonyms

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