Differences between fill up and take up
Fill up means to make something full, usually with a liquid or gas, while take up means to start doing a new activity or hobby, or to occupy space.
Meanings and Definitions: fill up vs take up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Fill up
- 1Fill something completely.
I stopped at the garage and FILLED UP with petrol.
Take up
- 1Fill or occupy time or space.
An awful lot of my time at work is TAKEN UP with pointless bureaucracy nowadays.
- 2Make clothes shorter.
The trousers were too long so I TOOK them UP to make them fit.
- 3Start a new hobby, pastime, etc..
He TOOK UP squash as he felt he had to lose some weight.
Usage Examples: fill up, take up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
fill up
Example
Please fill up the water jug before the guests arrive.
Example
She fills up her car with gas every week.
take up
Example
She decided to take up painting as a way to relax.
Example
He takes up a new hobby every year to challenge himself.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fill up
load up
To fill something with a large amount of something, especially a vehicle or a backpack.
Example
We need to load up the car with all the camping gear before heading to the mountains.
stock up
To fill a place with a large amount of something, especially food or supplies.
Example
Before the hurricane, people rushed to stock up on water, canned food, and batteries.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up
pick up
To learn or acquire a new skill or knowledge.
Example
He wants to pick up Spanish before traveling to South America next year.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “fill”
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Differences in fill up vs take up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: fill up or take up?
In daily conversation, people use fill up more often than take up. This is because fill up is used for more common tasks such as filling up a gas tank or a glass of water. Take up is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting a new hobby or activity. So, while both phrases are used, fill up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fill up and take up
Fill up and take 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 fill up and take up
The tone of fill up and take up can differ based on context. Fill up often carries a practical or urgent tone when related to filling something with a substance, while take up typically has an enthusiastic or curious tone, especially when referring to starting a new hobby or activity.
