Phrasal verbs "get out of" vs "get up to"

Differences between get out of and get up to

Get out of usually means to escape or avoid a situation, while get up to generally means to do something mischievous or secret.

Meanings and Definitions: get out of vs get up to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Get out of

  • 1Avoid doing something you dislike.

    I said I wasn't feeling well and GOT OUT OF the extra work.

  • 2Leave a car, van, etc..

    We GOT OUT OF the taxi and paid the driver.

  • 3Stop a regular activity or habit.

    If you GET OUT OF a routine, it can be hard to start again.

  • 4Make someone confess or tell the truth.

    The police couldn't GET any information OUT OF him.

  • 5Make someone give something to you.

    Did you GET a refund OUT OF the travel agency?

  • 6Derive pleasure or benefit from something.

    She's GETTING a lot OUT OF her university course.

  • 7Help someone avoid doing something.

    I GOT him OUT OF having to work at the weekend.

Get up to

  • 1Do something wrong or naughty.

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

Usage Examples: get out of, get up to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

get out of

Example

I managed to get out of the meeting by saying I had another appointment.

Example

She always gets out of doing the dishes.

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 out of

To prevent or stay away from a situation or responsibility.

Example

He tried to avoid the meeting by pretending to be sick.

To leave a place or situation quickly or secretly.

Example

She managed to escape from the kidnappers and call for help.

To evade or sidestep a question or responsibility.

Example

He tried to dodge the question by changing the subject.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get up to

To behave in a silly or playful way, often without a specific purpose.

Example

They spent the afternoon messing around in the park, playing games and telling jokes.

To play a trick or practical joke on someone.

Example

He decided to pull a prank on his sister by hiding her phone in a funny place.

To move quietly or secretly in order to avoid being noticed or caught.

Example

They were sneaking around the house, trying to find a good hiding spot for their surprise party decorations.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

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

Frequency in Daily Use: get out of or get up to?

In daily conversation, people use get out of more often than get up to. This is because get out of is used for more common situations such as leaving a place or avoiding a responsibility. Get up to is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about doing something naughty or secretive. So, while both phrases are used, get out of is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Get out of 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 out of and get up to

The tone of get out of and get up to can differ based on context. Get out of often carries a serious or urgent tone when related to escaping or avoiding something, while get up to typically has a playful or mischievous tone, especially when referring to doing something secret or naughty.

get out of & 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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