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Phrasal verbs "creep up" vs "creep up on"

Differences between creep up and creep up on

Creep up means to gradually increase or approach something slowly and quietly, while creep up on means to approach someone or something quietly and unexpectedly.

Meanings and Definitions: creep up vs creep up on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Creep up

  • 1Gradually increase.

    The number of missing people has crept up to 40.

Creep up on

  • 1Approach without someone realising.

    They CREPT UP ON their rivals and overtook them.

Usage Examples: creep up, creep up on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

creep up

Example

The temperature started to creep up as summer approached.

Example

The cost of living creeps up every year.

creep up on

Example

The cat crept up on the unsuspecting bird.

Example

He creeps up on his sister to scare her.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Creep up

rise steadily

To increase gradually over time.

Example

The cost of living has been rising steadily over the past few years.

approach slowly

To move closer to something or someone gradually and carefully.

Example

The cat approached the bird feeder slowly to avoid scaring away the birds.

gradually emerge

To become noticeable or apparent over time.

Example

The truth about his past gradually emerged as we talked more and more.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Creep up on

sneak up on

To approach someone or something quietly and unexpectedly.

Example

I didn't hear him coming, he sneaked up on me from behind.

catch off guard

To surprise or shock someone by doing something unexpected.

Example

The sudden noise caught me off guard and made me jump.

take by surprise

To surprise someone by doing something unexpected.

Example

The news of her promotion took her by surprise and made her very happy.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in creep up vs creep up on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: creep up or creep up on?

Both phrases are commonly used in daily conversation, but creep up is more common than creep up on. This is because creep up can be used in a wider range of situations, such as describing the gradual increase of prices or the approach of a deadline. Creep up on, on the other hand, is more specific and usually used to describe someone sneaking up on another person.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of creep up and creep up on

Both creep up and creep up on are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations. However, creep up on may be considered slightly more informal due to its association with sneaking up on someone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of creep up and creep up on

The tone of creep up and creep up on can differ based on context. Creep up often carries a neutral or even positive tone when referring to a gradual increase, while creep up on typically has a negative or even threatening tone when referring to someone sneaking up on another person.

creep up & creep up on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Creep up on

Synonyms

  • sneak up on
  • approach stealthily
  • advance quietly
  • sneak up
  • stealthily approach

Antonyms

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