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Phrasal verbs "knock up" vs "touch up"

Differences between knock up and touch up

Knock up means to make someone pregnant, while touch up means to improve the appearance of something or someone by making small changes.

Meanings and Definitions: knock up vs touch up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Knock up

  • 1Become or get someone pregnant..

    She got KNOCKED UP when she was on holiday.

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

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

  • 3Produce or create something quickly.

    They KNOCKED a model UP over the weekend.

Touch up

  • 1Improve the appearance of something.

    I couldn't be bothered to redecorate, so I just TOUCHED UP the bits that needed painting the most.

  • 2Touch someone in a sexual way.

    She got angry when he tried to TOUCH her UP in the elevator.

Usage Examples: knock up, touch 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.

touch up

Example

I need to touch up the paint on the door.

Example

She touches up her makeup before the party.

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 six months.

be in the family way

To be pregnant.

Example

She didn't want to reveal that she was in the family way until after the first trimester.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Touch up

spruce up

To improve the appearance of something or someone by making small changes or adjustments.

Example

He decided to spruce up his apartment by adding some plants and artwork.

polish up

To improve or refine something by making small changes or adjustments.

Example

She spent the weekend polishing up her resume to apply for a new job.

tidy up

To clean or organize something by making small changes or adjustments.

Example

He quickly tidied up his desk before his boss came in for a meeting.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: knock up or touch up?

In everyday conversation, touch up is more common than knock up. This is because touch up is used in a variety of contexts such as makeup, photography, and home improvement. Knock up is a slang term that is not used as frequently.

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

Touch up is a relatively informal phrase that can be used in casual conversations. It's suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, knock up is a slang term that is not appropriate for formal settings like business or academic contexts.

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

The tone of knock up and touch up is quite different. Knock up is a slang term that can be considered offensive or inappropriate in some contexts. On the other hand, touch up has a positive and helpful tone, especially when referring to improving the appearance of something or someone.

knock up & touch up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Knock up

Synonyms

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