Differences between round up and work up
Round up means to gather people or things together, while work up means to gradually develop or intensify a feeling or emotion.
Meanings and Definitions: round up vs work up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Round up
- 1To gather or collect (people or things), especially for a specific purpose or action.
Dozens of political activists have been rounded up for questioning.
- 2To gather or collect.
I used to help round up the cows at milking time.
Work up
- 1To generate or develop (a feeling or emotion).
I just can’t work up any enthusiasm for this trip.
- 2To become very excited or emotional.
The kids had worked themselves up to a fever pitch of excitement.
- 3To develop or increase.
We went for a long walk to work up an appetite.
Usage Examples: round up, work up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
round up
Example
The teacher rounded up the students for the field trip.
Example
She rounds up the sheep every evening.
work up
Example
She tried to work up the courage to speak in front of the audience.
Example
He works up the energy to go for a run every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Round up
gather up
To collect or bring together people or things in one place.
Example
She had to gather up all her belongings before moving to a new apartment.
To bring together people or things in a particular place or order.
Example
The team had to assemble all the equipment before starting the project.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Work up
build up
To gradually develop or increase something over time.
Example
He had to build up his stamina before running a marathon.
stir up
To cause a strong feeling or emotion to arise or intensify.
Example
The news report stirred up anger and frustration among the community.
To produce or create something, especially a feeling or emotion.
Example
The movie generated a lot of excitement and anticipation among the audience.
Differences in round up vs work up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: round up or work up?
In daily conversation, people use round up more often than work up. This is because round up is used for more practical tasks such as gathering people or rounding up objects. Work up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about emotions or feelings. So, while both phrases are used, round up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of round up and work up
Round up and work 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 round up and work up
The tone of round up and work up can differ based on context. Round up often carries a practical or authoritative tone when related to gathering people or objects, while work up typically has an emotional or intense tone, especially when referring to developing feelings or emotions.
