Differences between light up and swallow up
Light up usually means to illuminate or brighten something, or to become happy or excited suddenly. Swallow up generally means to consume or engulf something completely.
Meanings and Definitions: light up vs swallow up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Light up
- 1Light or start smoking a cigarette.
Asif LIT UP as soon as he got out of the building.
- 2Illuminate.
They LIGHT UP the streets at Christmas time.
Swallow up
- 1To use or take up a large amount of something, especially money.
But a sizeable portion of the profits were swallowed up in capital gains tax.
- 2To be taken over or absorbed by something larger or more powerful.
The company was swallowed up in a corporate merger.
- 3To completely engulf or consume.
The whole building was swallowed up by flames.
Usage Examples: light up, swallow up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
light up
Example
She lights up the room with her smile.
Example
The city lights up at night with all the skyscrapers.
swallow up
Example
The project swallowed up most of our budget.
Example
The new software update swallows up a lot of memory on the computer.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Light up
brighten up
To make something brighter or more cheerful.
Example
The flowers brightened up the room and made it feel more welcoming.
cheer up
To become happier or more optimistic.
Example
Watching a comedy movie always helps me cheer up when I'm feeling down.
perk up
To become more alert or lively.
Example
A cup of coffee in the morning always helps me perk up and start my day off right.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Swallow up
To surround or cover something completely.
Example
The waves engulfed the boat, causing it to capsize.
To eat or consume something quickly and eagerly.
Example
He devoured the pizza in just a few bites, he was so hungry.
To take in or assimilate something completely.
Example
The sponge absorbed all the water on the counter, leaving it dry.
Differences in light up vs swallow up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: light up or swallow up?
In daily conversation, people use light up more often than swallow up. This is because light up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as turning on a light or lighting a cigarette. Swallow up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about something being consumed or engulfed. So, while both phrases are used, light up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of light up and swallow up
Light up and swallow 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 light up and swallow up
The tone of light up and swallow up can differ based on context. Light up often carries a positive or enthusiastic tone when related to happiness or excitement, while swallow up typically has a negative or ominous tone, especially when referring to something being consumed or engulfed.
