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Phrasal verbs "follow up" vs "step up"

Differences between follow up and step up

Follow up means to check on something or someone after a previous interaction, while step up means to increase one's effort or take more responsibility in a situation.

Meanings and Definitions: follow up vs step 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.

Step up

  • 1Increase.

    The police have STEPPED UP the pressure on beggars working the Underground.

Usage Examples: follow up, step 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.

step up

Example

We need to step up our efforts to meet the deadline.

Example

She steps up her game when the competition gets tough.

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 make sure I'm meeting her expectations.

touch base

To communicate with someone to get an update or maintain a connection.

Example

I like to touch base with my old college friends every few months to catch up on their lives.

follow through

To complete a task or promise that was previously made.

Example

I always try to follow through on my commitments, even if it takes extra effort.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Step up

take charge

To assume control or responsibility for a situation.

Example

When the manager was absent, I had to take charge and make sure the team stayed on track.

rise to the occasion

To meet a challenge or difficult situation with determination and effort.

Example

When the company faced financial difficulties, the CEO rose to the occasion and implemented a successful turnaround plan.

put in more effort

To increase the amount of work or energy put into a task or goal.

Example

If we want to win the game, we need to put in more effort and focus on our strategy.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “follow”

Phrasal Verbs with “step”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: follow up or step up?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but follow up is more frequently used in professional settings such as business or healthcare. Step up is used more in personal contexts, such as sports or relationships.

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

Follow up and step up are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, follow up can also be used in formal settings, while step up is generally not appropriate for formal situations.

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

The tone of follow up is usually polite and professional, as it often involves checking on the progress of a project or following up with a client. On the other hand, step up can have a more assertive or motivational tone, as it implies taking action or increasing effort.

follow up & step up: Synonyms and Antonyms

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