Differences between keep up and rack up
Keep up means to maintain a certain level or pace, while rack up means to accumulate or gather something, usually points or debt.
Meanings and Definitions: keep up vs rack up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Keep up
- 1Not let someone go to bed.
My neighbours KEPT me UP till after 4 am with their loud music last night.
- 2Maintain a continuous action, persist.
First I phoned you and left a message that you should phone me; then you phoned and I was out, so you left a message; then...! How long can we KEEP this UP without ever speaking to each other directly?
Rack up
- 1Acquire a lot of something.
He's RACKED UP a number of convictions for speeding.
- 2Damage.
They RACKED UP the car in an accident.
Usage Examples: keep up, rack up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
keep up
Example
She tries to keep up with the latest fashion trends.
Example
He keeps up with the news by reading the newspaper every day.
rack up
Example
She managed to rack up a lot of points in the game.
Example
He racks up a lot of frequent flyer miles with his job.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep up
To keep something at a certain level or standard.
Example
He needs to maintain a healthy diet to manage his diabetes.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rack up
To gather or collect something over time.
Example
He managed to accumulate a large collection of vintage vinyl records over the years.
run up
To accumulate or increase debt or expenses.
Example
She ran up a huge credit card bill during her vacation and now regrets it.
To gather or collect a large amount of something.
Example
The company was able to amass a significant amount of data to improve their marketing strategy.
Differences in keep up vs rack up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: keep up or rack up?
In daily conversation, people use keep up more often than rack up. This is because keep up is used for more everyday tasks and routines such as keeping up with work or staying informed. Rack up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about accumulating points or debt. So, while both phrases are used, keep up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of keep up and rack up
Keep up and rack 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 keep up and rack up
The tone of keep up and rack up can differ based on context. Keep up often carries a positive or encouraging tone when related to maintaining a certain level or pace, while rack up typically has a negative or cautionary tone, especially when referring to accumulating debt or mistakes.
keep up & rack up: Synonyms and Antonyms
Keep up
Antonyms
- quit
- stop
- cease
- discontinue
- lag
- give up
- fall behind
