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Phrasal verbs "settle up" vs "square up"

Differences between settle up and square up

Settle up and square up both mean to pay off a debt or balance, but square up can also mean to resolve a dispute or make things right.

Meanings and Definitions: settle up vs square up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Settle up

  • 1Pay a debt.

    Let's SETTLE UP for the dinner the other night.

Square up

  • 1Pay back a debt.

    Can I SQUARE UP with you for last night?

  • 2Confront someone or prepare to fight them.

    The companies are SQUARING UP for a fight.

Usage Examples: settle up, square up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

settle up

Example

We need to settle up before leaving the restaurant.

Example

She always settles up her bills on time.

square up

Example

I need to square up with my friend for the concert tickets.

Example

He squares up with his roommate for the utility bills every month.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Settle up

pay off

To pay the full amount owed on a debt or balance.

Example

I need to pay off my credit card bill before the end of the month.

clear the debt

To pay off all the money owed to someone.

Example

After receiving his paycheck, he was able to clear the debt he owed to his friend.

balance the books

To settle accounts and make sure that all debts and credits are accounted for.

Example

At the end of the fiscal year, the accountant needs to balance the books to ensure that everything is in order.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Square up

make amends

To do something to show that you are sorry for something wrong you have done.

Example

He apologized for his mistake and offered to make amends by buying her lunch.

resolve a dispute

To find a solution to a disagreement or conflict.

Example

The two parties met to resolve their dispute and come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

make things right

To correct a situation that has gone wrong or caused harm.

Example

After the misunderstanding, he wanted to make things right by explaining his side of the story.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in settle up vs square up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: settle up or square up?

Both phrases are commonly used in informal conversations. However, settle up is slightly more common than square up in everyday usage.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of settle up and square up

Neither phrase is particularly formal, but settle up is slightly more formal than square up.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of settle up and square up

The tone of settle up is more neutral and straightforward, while square up can carry a slightly confrontational or assertive tone when used in the context of resolving a dispute.

settle up & square up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Square up

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