Differences between rack up and rake up
Rack up and rake up are both phrasal verbs that involve accumulating something, but they are used in different contexts. Rack up is used when we talk about accumulating points, debts, or expenses, while rake up is used when we talk about accumulating negative things such as problems, issues, or conflicts.
Meanings and Definitions: rack up vs rake up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Rack up
- 1Acquire a lot of something.
He's RACKED UP a number of convictions for speeding.
- 2Damage.
They RACKED UP the car in an accident.
Rake up
- 1Bring something back to people's attention.
The have RAKED UP some press scandals from her past.
Usage Examples: rack up, rake up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
rack up
Example
She managed to rack up a lot of points in the game.
Example
He racks up a lot of frequent flyer miles with his job.
rake up
Example
The journalist decided to rake up the politician's past mistakes.
Example
She rakes up old arguments whenever they have a disagreement.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rack up
To gather or collect something gradually over time.
Example
She managed to accumulate a large collection of stamps from all over the world.
To gather or collect a large amount of something over time.
Example
He was able to amass a fortune through his successful business ventures.
run up
To accumulate a large debt or expense over time.
Example
She ran up a huge credit card bill by buying unnecessary items online.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rake up
dig up
To uncover or bring to light something negative or unpleasant from the past.
Example
The journalist tried to dig up some dirt on the politician's past scandals.
stir up
To cause trouble or provoke a negative reaction by bringing up a sensitive topic or issue.
Example
He always tries to stir up controversy by making provocative statements on social media.
bring up
To mention or introduce a topic or issue, especially one that may cause discomfort or conflict.
Example
She decided to bring up the issue of unequal pay during the meeting with her boss.
Differences in rack up vs rake up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: rack up or rake up?
In everyday conversation, rack up is more common than rake up. This is because rack up is used in various situations such as sports, finance, and gaming, while rake up is used mainly in negative contexts such as arguments, debts, or scandals. So, while both phrases are used, rack up is more commonly used in daily conversations.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of rack up and rake up
Rack up and rake up are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, rack up can also be used in formal contexts such as business or academic settings when referring to financial or statistical data. Rake up, on the other hand, is not commonly used in formal contexts.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of rack up and rake up
The tone of rack up and rake up can differ based on context. Rack up often carries a positive or neutral tone when related to accumulating points, rewards, or achievements, while rake up typically has a negative or critical tone, especially when referring to accumulating problems, debts, or scandals.
