Differences between cook up and start up
Cook up usually means to prepare food, especially in an improvised or creative way, whereas start up generally means to begin a business or organization.
Meanings and Definitions: cook up vs start up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Cook up
- 1To prepare or make something, especially food.
"I'll cook up some eggs and sausage, maybe some kidneys or black pudding?
- 2To invent or fabricate something, especially a story or excuse.
Between them they cooked up some story to tell their parents.
Start up
- 1Open a business.
The firm STARTED UP on a shoestring budget.
- 2Begin, especially sounds.
There was a pause, then the noise STARTED UP again.
- 3When an engine starts working.
The car STARTED UP first time.
- 4Make an engine work.
I STARTED the car UP.
- 5Sit or stand upright because someone has surprised you.
He STARTED UP when I entered the room and tried to hide what he was doing.
Usage Examples: cook up, start up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
cook up
Example
She wants to cook up a delicious meal for her family.
Example
He cooks up a tasty breakfast every morning.
start up
Example
They plan to start up a new online store.
Example
She starts up her computer every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cook up
whip up
To quickly prepare or create something, especially food.
Example
She whipped up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes.
To create or invent something, especially a plan or story.
Example
He concocted an elaborate excuse for being late to work.
brew up
To make or prepare a hot drink, especially tea or coffee.
Example
I'll brew up some coffee while you get ready for the meeting.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Start up
To start or initiate a new project, business, or organization.
Example
They launched their new product line last month and it's already a huge success.
set up
To establish or create something, especially a business or organization.
Example
They set up a new branch office in the city center to expand their operations.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “start”
Differences in cook up vs start up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: cook up or start up?
In daily conversation, people use cook up less often than start up. This is because cook up is used mainly when talking about cooking or creating something, while start up is used more frequently in business and entrepreneurial contexts. So, while both phrases are used, start up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cook up and start up
Cook up and start up are both 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 cook up and start up
The tone of cook up and start up can differ based on context. Cook up often carries a playful or creative tone when related to cooking or inventing something, while start up typically has a serious and ambitious tone, especially when referring to launching a business or organization.
