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Phrasal verbs "gear up" vs "step up"

Differences between gear up and step up

Gear up means to prepare or get ready for something, often used when talking about physical preparation. Step up means to increase or improve one's efforts or performance, often used when talking about taking action or responsibility.

Meanings and Definitions: gear up vs step up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Gear up

  • 1Get ready for a busy period.

    The shops are GEARING UP for the New Year sales.

Step up

  • 1Increase.

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

Usage Examples: gear up, step up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

gear up

Example

The team is gearing up for the big game this weekend.

Example

She gears up for her exams by studying every day.

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 Gear up

prepare oneself

To get ready for a specific task or event, often used when talking about physical preparation.

Example

He needs to prepare himself mentally and physically before the big game tomorrow.

get set

To prepare oneself for an upcoming event or activity, often used in sports or competitions.

Example

The runners got set at the starting line, waiting for the signal to begin the race.

suit up

To put on special clothing or equipment for a specific activity or job, often used in military or sports contexts.

Example

The firefighters suited up in their protective gear before entering the burning building.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Step up

take it up a notch

To increase one's effort or performance, often used when talking about improving skills or achieving goals.

Example

She decided to take it up a notch and study harder for her exams this semester.

rise to the occasion

To meet a challenge or responsibility with determination and effort, often used in difficult or unexpected situations.

Example

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

step forward

To take action or responsibility in a situation, often used when talking about leadership or problem-solving.

Example

In times of crisis, it's important for leaders to step forward and guide their team towards a solution.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “gear”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: gear up or step up?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but step up is slightly more common than gear up. This is because step up can be used in a wider range of situations, while gear up is more specific to physical preparation.

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

Gear up and step 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 gear up and step up

The tone of gear up and step up can differ based on context. Gear up often carries a sense of excitement or anticipation when related to physical preparation, while step up typically has a more serious or urgent tone, especially when referring to taking action or responsibility.

gear up & step up: Synonyms and Antonyms

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