Differences between put up and put up to
Put up means to place something in a high position or to provide accommodation for someone, while put up to means to encourage or persuade someone to do something, often mischievous or daring.
Meanings and Definitions: put up vs put up to
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Put up
- 1Allow someone to stay at your house for a night or a few days..
She PUT me UP for the night because I'd missed the last bus and there were no night buses running.
- 2Increase prices, taxes, duties, etc..
The government has PUT tuition fees for undergraduate students UP again.
- 3Show skill or determination in a contest, competition, fight, etc.
They PUT UP a great fight but lost.
Put up to
- 1Encourage someone to do something.
His friends PUT him UP TO stealing it.
Usage Examples: put up, put up to in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
put up
Example
I put up my cousin for the weekend while he was in town.
Example
She puts up her friends whenever they visit the city.
put up to
Example
She put her sister up to playing a prank on their parents.
Example
He puts his friends up to doing silly things for fun.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put up
hang up
To place something on a hook or hanger.
Example
She hung up her coat on the rack by the door.
set up
To arrange or prepare something for use or operation.
Example
He set up the tent in the camping area before starting the fire.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put up to
talk into
To persuade or convince someone to do something.
Example
She talked him into going to the party even though he wasn't sure he wanted to.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “up to”
Differences in put up vs put up to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: put up or put up to?
In daily conversation, people use put up more often than put up to. This is because put up has a broader range of meanings and can be used in various contexts. Put up to is more specific and not as commonly used. It's mainly used when we're talking about influencing someone to do something.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put up and put up to
Put up and put up to 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 put up and put up to
The tone of put up and put up to can differ based on context. Put up often carries a practical or helpful tone when related to providing accommodation or setting something up, while put up to typically has a mischievous or daring tone, especially when referring to encouraging someone to do something they might not otherwise do.