Phrasal verbs "get into" vs "get up to"

Differences between get into and get up to

Get into usually means to become involved in something or to enter a place, while get up to generally means to do something mischievous or naughty.

Meanings and Definitions: get into vs get up to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Get into

  • 1Become involved or interested.

    She's been GETTING INTO dance music recently.

  • 2Become involved in something bad or criminal.

    He GOT INTO drugs when he was at university.

  • 3Be accepted or admitted.

    She did well and GOT INTO Cambridge University.

  • 4Become or be accepted as a member.

    He GOT INTO the first team for football.

  • 5Start a habit or way of acting or behaving.

    It took me ages to GET INTO driving on the left.

  • 6Be small enough to wear something.

    I couldn't GET INTO the boots; they were too tight.

  • 7Criticise.

    He GOT INTO me for doing it badly.

Get up to

  • 1Do something wrong or naughty.

    The children are always GETTING UP TO some trouble or other.

Usage Examples: get into, get up to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

get into

Example

She wants to get into photography as a hobby.

Example

He gets into trouble often at school.

get up to

Example

What are you getting up to this weekend?

Example

He always gets up to no good when he's bored.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get into

take up

To start doing a new activity or hobby.

Example

She decided to take up painting as a way to relax after work.

To start participating or being part of something.

Example

He wanted to become involved in the local community and joined a volunteer group.

To go inside or become part of a place or situation.

Example

They decided to enter into a business partnership to expand their company's reach.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get up to

To behave in a silly or playful way, often causing minor trouble.

Example

The kids were messing around in the park, climbing trees and chasing each other.

To behave in a way that is not socially acceptable or appropriate.

Example

He was acting out because he didn't want to go to bed, throwing his toys and screaming.

To do something naughty or mischievous, often resulting in trouble.

Example

The cat was getting into mischief again, knocking over vases and scratching the furniture.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Differences in get into vs get up to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: get into or get up to?

In daily conversation, people use get into more often than get up to. This is because get into is used for more common situations such as getting into a car or getting into a new hobby. Get up to is less common and usually used when talking about doing something naughty or mischievous. So, while both phrases are used, get into is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get into and get up to

Get into and get up to 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 get into and get up to

The tone of get into and get up to can differ based on context. Get into often carries a positive or neutral tone when related to hobbies or interests, while get up to typically has a negative or playful tone, especially when referring to mischievous behavior.

get into & get up to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Get up to

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • avoid
  • shun
  • evade
  • steer clear of
  • abstain from
  • refrain from
  • desist from
  • stay away from

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