Differences between put up and take up
Put up means to place something in a high position or to provide accommodation for someone, while take up means to start a new hobby or activity or to lift something from a lower position.
Meanings and Definitions: put up vs take up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Take up
- 1Fill or occupy time or space.
An awful lot of my time at work is TAKEN UP with pointless bureaucracy nowadays.
- 2Make clothes shorter.
The trousers were too long so I TOOK them UP to make them fit.
- 3Start a new hobby, pastime, etc..
He TOOK UP squash as he felt he had to lose some weight.
Usage Examples: put up, take up 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.
take up
Example
She decided to take up painting as a way to relax.
Example
He takes up a new hobby every year to challenge himself.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put up
To provide lodging or a place to stay for someone.
Example
We can accommodate you in our guest room if you need a place to stay.
hang up
To place something on a hook or hanger.
Example
After doing the laundry, she started to hang up the clothes in the closet.
set up
To arrange or prepare something for use or operation.
Example
He helped set up the sound system for the party and made sure everything was working properly.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up
pick up
To learn or acquire a new skill or knowledge.
Example
He wants to pick up a new language before traveling to a foreign country.
To start doing something.
Example
She decided to begin painting as a way to express her creativity.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Differences in put up vs take up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: put up or take up?
In daily conversation, people use take up more often than put up. This is because take up is used to talk about starting new hobbies or activities, which is a common topic in casual conversations. Put up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about providing accommodation or placing something in a high position. So, while both phrases are used, take up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put up and take up
Put up and take 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 put up and take up
The tone of put up and take up can differ based on context. Put up often carries a helpful or accommodating tone when related to providing accommodation or assistance, while take up typically has an enthusiastic and motivated tone, especially when referring to starting a new hobby or activity.
