Differences between clock up and rack up
Clock up and rack up are both phrasal verbs that mean to accumulate or achieve something, but clock up is usually used for measuring time or distance, while rack up is used for counting points, scores, or debts.
Meanings and Definitions: clock up vs rack up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Clock up
- 1To accumulate or record.
Apparently he had clocked up nine points and would have been banned if he'd been caught again.
Rack up
- 1Acquire a lot of something.
He's RACKED UP a number of convictions for speeding.
- 2Damage.
They RACKED UP the car in an accident.
Usage Examples: clock up, rack up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
clock up
Example
She tries to clock up at least 10,000 steps every day.
Example
He clocks up many hours of practice each week.
rack up
Example
She managed to rack up a lot of points in the game.
Example
He racks up a lot of frequent flyer miles with his job.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clock up
To record or keep track of something, especially time or distance.
Example
She logged over 10,000 steps on her fitness tracker after a long walk in the park.
To gather or collect something gradually over time.
Example
He has accumulated a lot of experience and knowledge in his field over the years.
To arrive at a destination or achieve a goal.
Example
We finally reached the summit of the mountain after a challenging climb.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rack up
To earn points or achieve a high score in a game or competition.
Example
He scored three goals in the soccer match and helped his team win.
run up
To accumulate or incur a debt or expense.
Example
She ran up a huge credit card bill during her vacation and now needs to pay it off.
To gather or collect something, especially debts or losses.
Example
The company amassed huge losses during the pandemic and had to lay off many employees.
Differences in clock up vs rack up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: clock up or rack up?
Both clock up and rack up are commonly used in everyday conversations, but rack up is more frequently used in sports, games, and financial contexts. Clock up is more commonly used in transportation and travel contexts.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of clock up and rack up
Clock up and rack up are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, rack up can also be used in formal settings such as business or academic contexts when referring to financial debts or scores.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of clock up and rack up
The tone of clock up and rack up can differ based on context. Clock up often carries a neutral or positive tone when referring to achieving a goal or reaching a destination, while rack up can have a negative or positive tone depending on the context. It can be positive when referring to scoring points or winning a game, but negative when referring to accumulating debts or expenses.
