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Phrasal verbs "gang up on" vs "run up on"

Differences between gang up on and run up on

Gang up on means to attack or criticize someone as a group, while run up on means to approach someone suddenly and aggressively.

Meanings and Definitions: gang up on vs run up on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Gang up on

  • 1Harass, bully.

    They GANGED UP ON him because of the way he spoke.

Run up on

  • 1Approach someone without their knowing.

    Robert was sitting in his car and a guy RAN UP ON him and shot through the car but missed.

Usage Examples: gang up on, run up on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

gang up on

Example

The kids at school always gang up on the new student.

Example

She gangs up on her younger brother with her friends.

run up on

Example

I didn't see him coming; he just ran up on me.

Example

She runs up on her friends to surprise them.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Gang up on

jump on

To attack or criticize someone suddenly and aggressively, often as a group.

Example

During the meeting, everyone jumped on John for his poor performance.

pile on

To join others in criticizing or attacking someone, often in a group.

Example

After the coach criticized the team, everyone started to pile on and blame each other for the loss.

turn on

To suddenly attack or become hostile towards someone, often after being friendly or supportive.

Example

I thought we were friends, but then he turned on me and started spreading rumors.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run up on

confront

To face someone directly and deal with a problem or issue.

Example

I had to confront my roommate about his loud music because it was keeping me up at night.

approach aggressively

To move towards someone in a threatening or intimidating manner.

Example

The stranger approached me aggressively and demanded my wallet.

ambush

To attack or surprise someone by hiding and waiting for them to pass by.

Example

The soldiers were ambushed by the enemy while on patrol.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “gang”

Differences in gang up on vs run up on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: gang up on or run up on?

Both phrases are used in informal settings, but gang up on is more common in everyday conversation. It's often used when talking about bullying or when a group of people are attacking someone verbally or physically. On the other hand, run up on is less common and usually used in situations where someone is being approached in a threatening manner.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of gang up on and run up on

Neither gang up on nor run up on are formal phrases. They are both considered slang and should be avoided in professional or academic settings.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of gang up on and run up on

The tone of gang up on is negative and aggressive, while run up on can be either aggressive or defensive depending on the context. Run up on can also be used in a playful or joking manner among friends.

gang up on & run up on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Gang up on

Synonyms

Run up on

Antonyms

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