Differences between prey on and prey upon

Both prey on and prey upon mean to exploit or take advantage of someone or something weaker. However, prey upon is considered more formal and less common than prey on.

Meanings and Definitions: prey on vs prey upon

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Prey on

1Catch and kill an animal for food.
Spiders PREY ON insects.
2Exploit or harm.
They PREY ON older people.

Prey upon

1Catch and kill an animal for food.
Cats PREY UPON birds and mice.
2Exploit or harm.
They PREY UPON people's fears about immigration.

Usage Examples: prey on, prey upon in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

prey on

Example

Cats often prey on small birds and rodents.

Example

The snake preys on mice and other small animals.

prey upon

Example

Cats prey upon birds and mice.

Example

The snake preys upon small rodents.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Prey on

take advantage of

To exploit or benefit from someone or something weaker or vulnerable.

Example

He was accused of taking advantage of his elderly neighbor's kindness by borrowing money and never paying it back.

exploit

To use or manipulate someone or something for one's own benefit or gain.

Example

The company was criticized for exploiting its workers by paying them low wages and denying benefits.

prey upon the weak

To take advantage of someone or something weaker or vulnerable.

Example

Some scam artists specialize in preying upon the weak by targeting the elderly or those in financial distress.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Prey upon

take unfair advantage of

To exploit or benefit unfairly from someone or something weaker or vulnerable.

Example

The company was accused of taking unfair advantage of its customers by charging hidden fees and misleading advertising.

manipulate

To control or influence someone or something for one's own benefit or gain.

Example

Some politicians are known for manipulating public opinion by using emotional appeals and false information.

abuse

To use or treat someone or something in a harmful or improper way.

Example

Some employers abuse their power by discriminating against certain employees or creating a hostile work environment.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “prey”

prey upon

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Phrasal Verbs with “upon”

Differences in prey on vs prey upon: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: prey on or prey upon?

In everyday conversation, people use prey on more often than prey upon. This is because prey on is a more common phrasal verb used in daily conversations, while prey upon is less common and considered more formal.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of prey on and prey upon

Prey upon is considered more formal than prey on. It is often used in written or formal contexts such as legal documents, academic papers, or news articles. Prey on, on the other hand, is more informal and can be used in both casual and formal settings.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of prey on and prey upon

The tone of prey on and prey upon is similar, but prey upon may sound more serious or severe due to its formality. Both phrases carry a negative connotation and imply taking advantage of someone or something weaker.

prey on & prey upon: Synonyms and Antonyms

Prey on

Synonyms

hunt
capture
exploit
victimize
abuse
feed on
take advantage of
manipulate

Antonyms

Prey upon

Synonyms

hunt
capture
exploit
use
abuse
feed on
take advantage of
manipulate

Antonyms