Phrasal verbs "hit on" vs "hit up on"

Differences between hit on and hit up on

Hit on means to flirt with someone or make romantic advances towards them, while hit up on means to contact or visit someone for social or business purposes.

Meanings and Definitions: hit on vs hit up on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hit on

• 1. Have an idea.

  I suddenly HIT ON the solution.

• 2. Talk to someone to try to attract them sexually.

  She HIT ON him at the party and they went back to her house.

• 3. Ask for money.

  A beggar HIT ON me when I left the restaurant.

Hit up on

• 1. Inject drugs.

  He's been HITTING UP ON heroin for years.

Usage Examples: hit on, hit up on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hit on

Example

He hit on her at the party, but she wasn't interested.

Example

She hits on guys at the club every weekend.

hit up on

Example

He's been hitting up on various substances.

Example

She hits up on drugs despite knowing the risks.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hit on

flirt with

To behave in a way that shows romantic or sexual interest in someone.

Example

He was flirting with her all night, and she finally realized he was hitting on her.

make a pass at

To make a direct or indirect sexual advance towards someone.

Example

She was uncomfortable when he made a pass at her at the party.

come on to

To show sexual interest or attraction towards someone in a way that can be perceived as aggressive or inappropriate.

Example

She felt uncomfortable when he came on to her at work, and she reported it to HR.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hit up on

contact

To communicate with someone through phone, email, or other means.

Example

I need to contact my professor to ask about the assignment deadline.

get in touch with

To contact someone after a period of no communication.

Example

I need to get in touch with my old friend from college and catch up.

reach out to

To initiate contact with someone for social or business purposes.

Example

I'm going to reach out to my colleague to discuss the new project proposal.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “hit”

• hit it off
• hit up
• hit up on
• hit with
• hit for

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• sleep on
• build on
• act on
• ride on
• embark on

Phrasal Verbs with “up on”

• creep up on
• load up on
• catch up on
• pick up on
• run up on

Differences in hit on vs hit up on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: hit on or hit up on?

In everyday conversation, hit on is more common than hit up on. This is because flirting and romantic relationships are common topics in casual conversations. Hit up on is used less frequently and mainly in specific situations such as arranging a meeting or catching up with an old friend.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hit on and hit up on

Hit on and hit up on are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, hit on can be considered inappropriate or offensive in certain contexts, especially in professional or formal settings. Hit up on is generally more acceptable in these situations.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hit on and hit up on

The tone of hit on and hit up on is different due to their meanings. Hit on has a flirtatious or suggestive tone, while hit up on has a friendly or casual tone.

hit on & hit up on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Hit on

Synonyms

• flirt
• approach
• chat up
• make a pass at
• come on to
• woo
• court
• solicit

Antonyms

• ignore
• avoid
• neglect
• shun
• snub
• rebuff
• dismiss
• reject

Hit up on

Synonyms

• inject drugs
• shoot up
• use needles
• administer substances

Antonyms

• rehabilitate
• recover
• stay clean
• avoid drug use