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Phrasal verbs "follow up" vs "keep up"

Differences between follow up and keep up

Follow up means to check on something or someone after an initial interaction or event, while keep up means to maintain a certain level of performance or pace.

Meanings and Definitions: follow up vs keep up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Follow up

  • 1Do something to check or improve an earlier action.

    He FOLLOWED UP the meeting with a report.

  • 2Find our about a problem and act.

    The police didn't FOLLOW UP the allegations.

Keep up

  • 1Not let someone go to bed.

    My neighbours KEPT me UP till after 4 am with their loud music last night.

  • 2Maintain a continuous action, persist.

    First I phoned you and left a message that you should phone me; then you phoned and I was out, so you left a message; then...! How long can we KEEP this UP without ever speaking to each other directly?

Usage Examples: follow up, keep up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

follow up

Example

I will follow up with the client after the meeting.

Example

She follows up on her emails to make sure everyone understands the tasks.

keep up

Example

She tries to keep up with the latest fashion trends.

Example

He keeps up with the news by reading the newspaper every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Follow up

check in

To contact someone to see how they are doing or to get an update on a situation.

Example

I need to check in with my boss to see if she needs any help with the project.

touch base

To make contact with someone to get an update on a situation or to discuss progress.

Example

Let's touch base next week to see how the project is coming along.

follow through

To complete a task or promise that was previously made.

Example

He always follows through on his commitments, which is why he's such a reliable employee.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep up

maintain the pace

To continue at the same speed or level of performance.

Example

She needs to maintain the pace if she wants to finish the marathon in under four hours.

stay on top of

To remain informed or knowledgeable about a particular topic or situation.

Example

In order to succeed in this industry, you need to stay on top of the latest trends and developments.

keep going

To continue doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.

Example

Even though she was tired, she decided to keep going until she finished the project.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “follow”

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in follow up vs keep up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: follow up or keep up?

Both follow up and keep up are commonly used in daily conversation. However, keep up is more frequently used than follow up because it can be used in a wider range of contexts.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of follow up and keep up

Follow up and keep up are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of follow up and keep up

The tone of follow up and keep up can differ based on context. Follow up often carries a professional or concerned tone when related to checking on work or health, while keep up typically has a motivational or encouraging tone, especially when referring to maintaining a certain level of performance or pace.

follow up & keep up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep up

Synonyms

Antonyms

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