Differences between scrape up and swallow up
Scrape up means to gather or collect something with difficulty, often referring to money or resources. Swallow up means to consume or engulf something completely, often referring to space or time.
Meanings and Definitions: scrape up vs swallow up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Scrape up
- 1Manage to collect enough of something you need, usually money.
It took me ages to SCRAPE UP the money for the tickets.
Swallow up
- 1To use or take up a large amount of something, especially money.
But a sizeable portion of the profits were swallowed up in capital gains tax.
- 2To be taken over or absorbed by something larger or more powerful.
The company was swallowed up in a corporate merger.
- 3To completely engulf or consume.
The whole building was swallowed up by flames.
Usage Examples: scrape up, swallow up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
scrape up
Example
I need to scrape up enough money to buy a new laptop.
Example
She scrapes up some extra cash by doing odd jobs.
swallow up
Example
The project swallowed up most of our budget.
Example
The new software update swallows up a lot of memory on the computer.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Scrape up
gather up
To collect or accumulate something, often with difficulty or effort.
Example
She had to gather up all the necessary documents before applying for the visa.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Swallow up
To consume or eat something quickly and eagerly.
Example
The kids devoured the pizza as soon as it arrived.
To surround or cover something completely, often referring to space or time.
Example
The city was engulfed by a thick fog, making it difficult to see anything beyond a few feet.
To take in or assimilate something completely, often referring to knowledge or information.
Example
She was able to absorb the complex theories of quantum physics after reading several books on the subject.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “scrape”
Differences in scrape up vs swallow up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: scrape up or swallow up?
In daily conversation, people use swallow up more often than scrape up. This is because swallow up is used for more common situations such as describing how time passes quickly or how a large object can take up a lot of space. Scrape up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about gathering resources or money with difficulty. So, while both phrases are used, swallow up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of scrape up and swallow up
Scrape up and swallow 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 scrape up and swallow up
The tone of scrape up and swallow up can differ based on context. Scrape up often carries a determined or resourceful tone when related to gathering resources or money, while swallow up typically has a dramatic or overwhelming tone, especially when referring to consuming time or space.
