Differences between open up and work up
Open up means to reveal or share one's thoughts, feelings, or personal information with someone else. Work up means to gradually develop or increase something, such as an emotion or physical activity.
Meanings and Definitions: open up vs work up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Open up
- 1Start to talk freely about something.
She hates to OPEN UP and discuss her feelings.
- 2Open a shop or business for the day.
They OPEN UP at seven in the morning.
- 3Allow goods into a market.
Before they joined the WTO, they had to OPEN UP their markets.
Work up
- 1To generate or develop (a feeling or emotion).
I just can’t work up any enthusiasm for this trip.
- 2To become very excited or emotional.
The kids had worked themselves up to a fever pitch of excitement.
- 3To develop or increase.
We went for a long walk to work up an appetite.
Usage Examples: open up, work up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
open up
Example
She doesn't like to open up about her feelings.
Example
He opens up to his friends when he's feeling down.
work up
Example
She tried to work up the courage to speak in front of the audience.
Example
He works up the energy to go for a run every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Open up
share one's feelings
To express one's emotions or thoughts with someone else.
Example
After a few drinks, he finally shared his feelings about his recent breakup with his friends.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Work up
build up
To gradually develop or increase something, such as strength or endurance.
Example
He started to build up his muscles by lifting weights every day.
ramp up
To increase or intensify something, such as production or activity.
Example
The company decided to ramp up their marketing efforts to reach more customers.
stir up
To cause or provoke a reaction or emotion in someone.
Example
The politician's speech stirred up controversy and debate among the audience.
Differences in open up vs work up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: open up or work up?
In daily conversation, people use open up more often than work up. This is because open up is used in a variety of contexts, such as sharing personal experiences or discussing emotions. Work up is less common and is usually used in specific situations, such as working up an appetite or working up the courage to do something.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of open up and work up
Open up and work up are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations with friends and family. However, work up can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business or academic contexts.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of open up and work up
The tone of open up and work up can differ based on context. Open up often carries an emotional or vulnerable tone when related to sharing personal information or feelings, while work up typically has a more practical or physical tone, especially when referring to building up strength or energy.
