Phrasal verbs "knock up" vs "steal up"

Differences between knock up and steal up

Knock up means to make someone pregnant, while steal up means to approach someone or something quietly and secretly.

Meanings and Definitions: knock up vs steal up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Knock up

• 1. Become or get someone pregnant..

  She got KNOCKED UP when she was on holiday.

• 2. Play a bit before a match to get ready.

  The teams KNOCKED UP for a few minutes before the final.

• 3. Produce or create something quickly.

  They KNOCKED a model UP over the weekend.

Steal up

• 1. Approach quietly or secretly.

  The lights were off and everything was quiet so we STOLE UP as quietly as we could.

Usage Examples: knock up, steal up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

knock up

Example

She knocked up her girlfriend by accident.

Example

He knocks up his partner during their vacation.

steal up

Example

The cat stole up to the bird, hoping to catch it.

Example

He steals up to the door to listen to the conversation inside.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Knock up

get pregnant

To become pregnant or impregnate someone.

Example

She accidentally got pregnant after forgetting to take her birth control pills.

have a bun in the oven

To be pregnant.

Example

She announced that she had a bun in the oven and was expecting a baby in a few months.

be with child

To be pregnant.

Example

She found out that she was with child and started preparing for the arrival of her baby.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Steal up

sneak up on

To approach someone or something quietly and unexpectedly.

Example

He tried to sneak up on his friend and scare him, but he failed and got caught.

creep up on

To approach someone or something quietly and gradually without being noticed.

Example

The storm clouds crept up on us, and before we knew it, it started raining heavily.

slip up on

To approach someone or something quietly and unnoticed.

Example

The thief slipped up on the house and entered through the window without anyone noticing.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “knock”

• knock off
• knock it off!
• knock back
• knock over
• knock around

Phrasal Verbs with “steal”

• steal up on
• steal over
• steal out
• steal away

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

• match up
• line up
• loosen up
• rack up
• plough up

Differences in knock up vs steal up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: knock up or steal up?

In everyday conversation, knock up is not commonly used due to its vulgar connotation. On the other hand, steal up is also not commonly used, but it can be heard in certain contexts such as spy movies or thrillers.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of knock up and steal up

Both knock up and steal up are informal phrases that are not suitable for formal settings. It's best to use alternative expressions in professional or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of knock up and steal up

The tone of knock up is usually negative or vulgar, while steal up can have a sneaky or suspenseful tone depending on the context.

knock up & steal up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Knock up

Synonyms

• impregnate
• conceive
• create
• produce
• make
• assemble
• whip up
• throw together

Antonyms

• prevent
• avoid
• destroy
• dismantle
• disassemble
• take apart

Steal up

Synonyms

• sneak up
• creep up
• approach stealthily
• move quietly
• slip up

Antonyms

• retreat
• withdraw
• recede
• move away
• back off