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Phrasal verbs "keep up" vs "sober up"

Differences between keep up and sober up

Keep up means to maintain a certain level or pace, while sober up means to become less drunk or intoxicated.

Meanings and Definitions: keep up vs sober 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?

Sober up

  • 1Stop showing the effects of alcohol or drugs.

    Keith SOBERED UP a bit when we left the pub and walked home.

Usage Examples: keep up, sober 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.

sober up

Example

After drinking too much, it took him a few hours to sober up.

Example

She usually sobers up quickly after having a glass of water.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep up

maintain

To keep something at a certain level or state.

Example

She needs to maintain her grades to be eligible for the scholarship.

stay on top of

To remain informed or in control of a situation.

Example

He needs to stay on top of his emails to avoid missing important messages.

keep pace

To maintain the same speed or level as someone or something else.

Example

She struggled to keep pace with the other runners during the marathon.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sober up

get clean

To stop using drugs or alcohol and become sober.

Example

He decided to get clean after realizing the negative impact of his addiction on his life.

dry out

To stop drinking alcohol and become sober.

Example

He needed to dry out after a weekend of heavy drinking.

clear one's head

To become sober and think clearly.

Example

He went for a walk to clear his head after a night of heavy drinking.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in keep up vs sober up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: keep up or sober up?

In daily conversation, people use keep up more often than sober up. This is because keep up is used for a variety of situations such as work, exercise, and relationships. Sober up is only used when referring to alcohol or drug use. So, while both phrases are used, keep up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of keep up and sober up

Keep up and sober 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 sober up

The tone of keep up and sober 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 sober up typically has a serious or urgent tone, especially when referring to someone who needs to stop drinking or using drugs.

keep up & sober up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep up

Synonyms

Antonyms

Sober up

Synonyms

  • recover
  • clear up
  • regain composure
  • become clear-headed
  • come to one's senses

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