Differences between look up and pull up
Look up means to search for information or to admire something above you, while pull up means to stop a vehicle or to lift something up.
Meanings and Definitions: look up vs pull up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Look up
- 1Consult a reference work ( dictionary, phonebook, etc. ) for a specific piece of information..
I didn't know the correct spelling so I had to LOOK it UP in the dictionary.
- 2Improve.
The economy is LOOKING UP.
- 3Find, trace an old friend.
I LOOKED him UP when I went back to Cambridge.
Pull up
- 1Slow and stop a car.
The cab PULLED UP outside my house and I got out.
- 2Inform someone that they are wrong.
He PULLED me UP because I had got my facts wrong.
Usage Examples: look up, pull up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
look up
Example
When I don't know a word, I look it up in the dictionary.
Example
She looks up new recipes online every week.
pull up
Example
The bus pulled up at the bus stop.
Example
She pulls up in front of the store to pick up her groceries.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look up
To investigate or study a subject in detail to discover new facts or information.
Example
She spent hours researching the best vacation spots before booking her trip.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pull up
To bring something to a halt or to come to a stop.
Example
The car stopped at the red light.
To bring something to a stop or to cause it to cease moving.
Example
The construction workers halted traffic while they worked on the road.
bring to a standstill
To cause something to stop completely.
Example
The heavy snowfall brought traffic to a standstill on the highway.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “look”
Phrasal Verbs with “pull”
Differences in look up vs pull up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: look up or pull up?
In daily conversation, people use look up more often than pull up. This is because look up is used for more common tasks such as searching for information or admiring something. Pull up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about stopping a vehicle or lifting something up. So, while both phrases are used, look up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of look up and pull up
Look up and pull 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 look up and pull up
The tone of look up and pull up can differ based on context. Look up often carries a curious or impressed tone when related to searching for information or admiring something, while pull up typically has a practical and urgent tone, especially when referring to stopping a vehicle or lifting something heavy.
