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Phrasal verbs "shake off" vs "shake up"

Differences between shake off and shake up

Shake off means to get rid of something unwanted or to escape from something, while shake up means to cause a big change or disruption in something.

Meanings and Definitions: shake off vs shake up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Shake off

  • 1Get rid of an illness.

    It took me ages to SHAKE OFF the cough.

Shake up

  • 1Upset or shock.

    The news of her death really SHOOK me UP.

  • 2Make major changes to improve or save a company, organisation, etc.

    The management are SHAKING things UP and getting rid of a lot of workers.

  • 3Mix things in a container by shaking hard.

    Pour the ingredients into a container and SHAKE them UP.

Usage Examples: shake off, shake up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

shake off

Example

She is trying to shake off her bad mood.

Example

He shakes off his nervousness before giving a speech.

shake up

Example

The new CEO plans to shake up the company to increase profits.

Example

She shakes up her morning routine to stay motivated.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shake off

get rid of

To eliminate or remove something unwanted or unnecessary.

Example

She needed to get rid of the old clothes in her closet to make room for new ones.

brush off

To ignore or dismiss something unimportant or trivial.

Example

He decided to brush off the negative comments and focus on his goals.

shrug off

To disregard or minimize the significance of something.

Example

She tried to shrug off the criticism and continue with her work.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shake up

stir things up

To cause trouble or create chaos in a situation.

Example

The new manager wanted to stir things up and implement some changes in the company's structure.

disrupt the status quo

To challenge or change the current state of affairs.

Example

The social movement aimed to disrupt the status quo and bring attention to systemic injustices.

turn upside down

To completely change or reverse a situation or circumstance.

Example

The unexpected news turned their lives upside down and forced them to reconsider their plans.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “shake”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in shake off vs shake up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: shake off or shake up?

In daily conversation, people use shake off more often than shake up. This is because shake off is used for more common situations such as shaking off water after swimming or shaking off a bad mood. Shake up is less common and usually used when talking about significant changes or disruptions.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of shake off and shake up

Shake off and shake 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 shake off and shake up

The tone of shake off and shake up can differ based on context. Shake off often carries a dismissive or determined tone when related to getting rid of something unwanted or escaping from a situation. Shake up typically has a more serious and urgent tone, especially when referring to causing a big change or disruption.

shake off & shake up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Shake off

Synonyms

Antonyms

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