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Phrasal verbs "chalk up" vs "chalk up to"

Differences between chalk up and chalk up to

Chalk up and chalk up to have similar meanings, but they are used in different ways. Chalk up is a phrasal verb that means to attribute or credit something to a particular cause or source. On the other hand, chalk up to is a phrasal verb that means to explain or justify something as being caused by a particular reason or factor.

Meanings and Definitions: chalk up vs chalk up to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Chalk up

  • 1To achieve something good.

    The company has CHALKED UP its highest ever profits.

Chalk up to

  • 1Explain the reason for a problem.

    They CHALKED the poor sales UP TO the lower numbers of tourists visiting this year.

Usage Examples: chalk up, chalk up to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

chalk up

Example

The team managed to chalk up another victory.

Example

She chalks up her success to hard work and dedication.

chalk up to

Example

We can chalk up the team's success to their hard work and dedication.

Example

She chalks up her good grades to consistent studying.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Chalk up

attribute to

To assign or credit something to a particular cause or source.

Example

The team's success can be attributed to their hard work and dedication.

give credit to

To acknowledge or recognize someone or something for their contribution or achievement.

Example

We should give credit to the volunteers who made this event possible.

put down to

To explain or attribute something to a particular cause or reason.

Example

Her lack of focus can be put down to her recent breakup.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Chalk up to

blame on

To hold responsible or accountable for something negative or undesirable.

Example

He blamed his lateness on traffic, but we all knew he overslept.

attribute to

To explain or justify something as being caused by a particular reason or factor.

Example

She attributed her success to her supportive family and friends.

ascribe to

To explain or attribute something to a particular cause or reason.

Example

The company's growth can be ascribed to their innovative marketing strategies.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “chalk”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in chalk up vs chalk up to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: chalk up or chalk up to?

Both chalk up and chalk up to are commonly used in spoken and written English, but chalk up is more common than chalk up to.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of chalk up and chalk up to

Both chalk up and chalk up to are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations. However, in more formal settings like academic or business contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of chalk up and chalk up to

The tone of chalk up and chalk up to can differ based on context. Chalk up often carries a positive or neutral tone when attributing something to a particular cause or source, while chalk up to typically has a negative or defensive tone when explaining or justifying something as being caused by a particular reason or factor.

chalk up & chalk up to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Chalk up to

Synonyms

  • attribute to
  • ascribe to
  • credit to
  • assign to
  • impute to
  • refer to
  • explain by

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