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Phrasal verbs "pluck up" vs "summon up"

Differences between pluck up and summon up

Pluck up means to gather courage or confidence, while summon up means to call forth or bring something to mind.

Meanings and Definitions: pluck up vs summon up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Pluck up

  • 1Muster, acquire, gather.

    They PLUCKED UP the courage to complain.

Summon up

  • 1Get the energy or courage to do something.

    Andrea couldn't SUMMON UP the enthusiasm to apply for the position.

Usage Examples: pluck up, summon up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

pluck up

Example

She plucked up the courage to speak in front of the audience.

Example

He plucks up the courage to ask his boss for a raise.

summon up

Example

I need to summon up the courage to ask for a raise.

Example

She summons up the energy to go for a run every morning.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pluck up

gather one's courage

To summon the bravery or confidence needed to do something difficult or challenging.

Example

She had to gather her courage before asking her boss for a raise.

screw up one's courage

To summon the courage or determination to do something difficult or scary.

Example

He had to screw up his courage before proposing to his girlfriend.

take heart

To find courage or hope in a difficult situation.

Example

She took heart from the support of her friends during a tough time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Summon up

call forth

To evoke or bring something to mind.

Example

The smell of fresh-baked cookies called forth memories of her grandmother's kitchen.

bring to mind

To remember or think of something.

Example

The old photograph brought to mind happy memories of her childhood.

evoke

To bring a feeling or memory to mind.

Example

The music evoked strong emotions and memories of her past.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pluck”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in pluck up vs summon up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: pluck up or summon up?

Both phrases are used in everyday conversation, but pluck up is slightly more common than summon up. This is because pluck up is used more often in daily situations where someone needs to gather courage or confidence, such as before a job interview or a public speaking event. Summon up is used less frequently and is more likely to be used in writing or formal contexts.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pluck up and summon up

Both pluck up and summon up are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, summon up can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, especially when referring to summoning up an idea or argument.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of pluck up and summon up

The tone of pluck up and summon up can differ based on context. Pluck up often carries a positive and encouraging tone, while summon up can have a more serious or reflective tone.

pluck up & summon up: Synonyms and Antonyms

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