Phrasal verbs "sell on" vs "sell up"

Differences between sell on and sell up

Sell on means to sell something that you have recently bought or acquired, usually for a profit. Sell up means to sell everything you own, including your home or business.

Meanings and Definitions: sell on vs sell up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Sell on

  • 1Convince someone.

    We managed to SELL him ON the expansion plans.

  • 2Buy something then sell it to someone else.

    We buy them wholesale and SELL them ON to the public.

Sell up

  • 1Sell a house or business to move somewhere or do something different.

    We want to SELL UP and move to the country.

Usage Examples: sell on, sell up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

sell on

Example

We sell on the products to our customers after buying them from the manufacturer.

Example

The store sells on the items at a higher price than they bought them for.

sell up

Example

They plan to sell up their house and move to a smaller apartment.

Example

She sells up her business to start a new venture.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sell on

To buy something and then quickly sell it for a profit.

Example

He flipped the vintage watch he found at the thrift store for twice the price he paid.

To sell something again after buying it from someone else.

Example

She decided to resell the concert tickets she couldn't use to her friend who was a big fan.

To sell or give something to someone else, usually at a lower price.

Example

He passed on his old laptop to his younger brother after buying a new one for himself.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sell up

liquidate assets

To sell all of one's assets, including property, investments, and possessions, to pay off debts or start anew.

Example

After the divorce, she had to liquidate her assets and start over in a new city.

To sell all of one's investments or assets to get cash, usually for a specific purpose.

Example

He decided to cash out his stocks and retire early to travel the world.

To sell or get rid of something that is no longer needed or wanted.

Example

They had to dispose of their furniture before moving to a smaller apartment.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “sell”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in sell on vs sell up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: sell on or sell up?

In everyday conversation, people use sell on more often than sell up. This is because sell on is used for more common situations like reselling items or products. Sell up is less common and is mainly used when someone is selling everything they own, such as when they are moving to a new country or retiring. So, while both phrases are used, sell on is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of sell on and sell up

Sell on and sell 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 sell on and sell up

The tone of sell on and sell up can differ based on context. Sell on often carries a practical or opportunistic tone when related to reselling items or products, while sell up typically has a more serious or emotional tone, especially when referring to selling one's home or business.

sell on & sell up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Sell on

Synonyms

Antonyms

Sell up

Synonyms

  • divest
  • sell off
  • liquidate
  • dispose of
  • cash in

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