Differences between shake up and sweep up
Shake up means to cause a big change or disruption in something, while sweep up means to clean or tidy up an area by removing dirt or debris.
Meanings and Definitions: shake up vs sweep up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Sweep up
- 1To clean or tidy up by using a broom or a vacuum cleaner.
I’m going to sweep up.
- 2To clean or tidy up by using a broom or brush.
Would you sweep up the broken glass?
Usage Examples: shake up, sweep up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
sweep up
Example
Please sweep up the kitchen floor after dinner.
Example
She sweeps up the living room every day.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shake up
stir things up
To cause trouble or create chaos by introducing new ideas or actions.
Example
The politician's controversial speech stirred things up and sparked heated debates among the audience.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sweep up
tidy up
To clean or organize a space by removing dirt, clutter, or unnecessary items.
Example
She spent the afternoon tidying up her room and putting away clothes and books.
clean up
To remove dirt, stains, or other unwanted substances from a surface or object.
Example
He had to clean up the kitchen after accidentally spilling flour all over the counter.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “shake”
Phrasal Verbs with “sweep”
Differences in shake up vs sweep up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: shake up or sweep up?
In daily conversation, people use sweep up more often than shake up. This is because sweep up is used for more routine tasks such as cleaning the house or tidying up a workspace. Shake up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about significant changes or disruptions. So, while both phrases are used, sweep up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of shake up and sweep up
Shake up and sweep 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 up and sweep up
The tone of shake up and sweep up can differ based on context. Shake up often carries a sense of urgency or excitement when related to making changes or causing disruptions, while sweep up typically has a practical and straightforward tone, especially when referring to cleaning or tidying up.
