Differences between go up and pass up
Go up usually means to move or travel upwards, while pass up generally means to decline or reject an opportunity or offer.
Meanings and Definitions: go up vs pass up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Go up
- 1Rise or climb.
The price of petrol has GONE UP sharply because of the increase in duty in the Government's budget.
- 2Approach.
We WENT UP and asked them for some information about the courses.
- 3Be built.
Skyscrapers are GOING UP everywhere in the city centre.
- 4Be heard.
A huge cheer WENT UP when the president arrived.
- 5Be promoted.
The top three teams GO UP at the end of the season.
Pass up
- 1Decline a chance.
She PASSED UP the opportunity to go to university because she'd been offered a job.
Usage Examples: go up, pass up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
go up
Example
The price of bread goes up every year.
Example
The temperature goes up in the summer.
pass up
Example
I decided to pass up the job offer because it was too far from home.
Example
He passes up the chance to travel because he is afraid of flying.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go up
To move or climb upwards, often in a gradual or steady manner.
Example
The hikers started to ascend the mountain early in the morning to avoid the heat.
To move or scale upwards, often using hands and feet to grip or hold onto surfaces.
Example
The children were excited to climb the tree and see the view from the top.
To move or increase upwards, often in relation to the sun, temperature, or sea level.
Example
The hot air balloon started to rise slowly into the sky, offering a breathtaking view of the landscape.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass up
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “pass”
Phrasal Verbs with “up”
- shoot up
- ring up
- play up
- freshen up
- plough up
Differences in go up vs pass up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go up or pass up?
In daily conversation, people use go up more often than pass up. This is because go up is used for more common actions such as going up the stairs or taking an elevator. Pass up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about rejecting an opportunity or offer. So, while both phrases are used, go up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go up and pass up
Go up and pass 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 go up and pass up
The tone of go up and pass up can differ based on context. Go up often carries a neutral or positive tone when related to movement or travel, while pass up typically has a negative or regretful tone, especially when referring to rejecting an opportunity or offer.
