Phrasal verbs "hurry up" vs "wait up"

Differences between hurry up and wait up

Hurry up means to do something quickly or to move faster, while wait up means to slow down or pause to allow someone else to catch up.

Meanings and Definitions: hurry up vs wait up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hurry up

  • 1To do something quickly or more quickly than usual.

    Hurry up and finish your soup.

  • 2To move or act quickly.

    Hurry up, some of us need to get to work.

Wait up

  • 1Not go to bed because you are waiting.

    I was worried and WAITED UP until they got home safe and sound.

Usage Examples: hurry up, wait up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hurry up

Example

Please hurry up and finish your homework.

Example

She always hurries up when she's late for school.

wait up

Example

Please wait up for me; I'll be home soon.

Example

She always waits up for her husband when he works late.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hurry up

speed up

To increase the pace or rate of something.

Example

We need to speed up the production process to meet the deadline.

To move quickly or with urgency.

Example

I have to rush to catch my flight in 30 minutes.

To cause something to happen more quickly or to move more quickly.

Example

The company decided to hasten the launch of their new product to beat the competition.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wait up

To reduce speed or pace.

Example

Can you slow down a bit? I'm having trouble keeping up with you.

To wait or pause for a short time.

Example

Can you hold on for a minute? I need to grab my phone from my bag.

To remain in one place or position.

Example

I'll be right back. Stay put and don't move until I come back.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in hurry up vs wait up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: hurry up or wait up?

In daily conversation, people use hurry up more often than wait up. This is because hurry up is used for more urgent situations such as being late or finishing a task quickly. Wait up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we want to ask someone to slow down or wait for us. So, while both phrases are used, hurry up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hurry up and wait up

Hurry up and wait 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 hurry up and wait up

The tone of hurry up and wait up can differ based on context. Hurry up often carries an urgent or impatient tone when related to completing a task or arriving somewhere on time, while wait up typically has a friendly and considerate tone, especially when referring to waiting for someone else to catch up.

hurry up & wait up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Wait up

Synonyms

  • stay awake
  • stay up
  • remain awake
  • keep vigil

Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!