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Phrasal verbs "rub up on" vs "run up on"

Differences between rub up on and run up on

Rub up on means to review or refresh one's knowledge or skills, while run up on means to unexpectedly encounter someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: rub up on vs run up on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Rub up on

  • 1Revise.

    I need to RUB UP ON my Portuguese before I go to Brazil.

Run up on

  • 1Approach someone without their knowing.

    Robert was sitting in his car and a guy RAN UP ON him and shot through the car but missed.

Usage Examples: rub up on, run up on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

rub up on

Example

I need to rub up on my math skills before the test.

Example

She rubs up on her French vocabulary every day.

run up on

Example

I didn't see him coming; he just ran up on me.

Example

She runs up on her friends to surprise them.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rub up on

brush up on

To review or refresh one's knowledge or skills on a particular topic.

Example

Before the exam, she decided to brush up on her math skills by solving practice problems.

polish up on

To improve or refine one's knowledge or skills on a particular topic.

Example

He spent the summer polishing up on his Spanish to prepare for his study abroad program.

revise

To review or make changes to something, such as written work or a plan.

Example

She spent the evening revising her essay to ensure it was well-organized and coherent.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run up on

encounter

To meet or come across someone or something unexpectedly.

Example

While hiking, they encountered a bear and had to quickly retreat to safety.

stumble upon

To discover or find something unexpectedly or by chance.

Example

While cleaning out the attic, she stumbled upon a box of old family photos.

come across

To encounter or find something or someone unexpectedly or by chance.

Example

During her research, she came across an interesting article that helped support her argument.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “rub”

Differences in rub up on vs run up on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: rub up on or run up on?

In daily conversation, people use run up on more often than rub up on. This is because run up on is used to describe unexpected encounters, which can happen frequently in everyday life. Rub up on is not used as much, and when it is, it's usually in specific contexts like studying for an exam or preparing for a job interview.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of rub up on and run up on

Rub up on and run up on 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 rub up on and run up on

The tone of rub up on and run up on can differ based on context. Rub up on often carries a studious or diligent tone when related to reviewing or refreshing knowledge or skills, while run up on typically has a surprised or even confrontational tone, especially when referring to unexpected encounters.

rub up on & run up on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Run up on

Antonyms

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