Differences between square up and square with

Square up means to settle a debt or pay someone back, while square with means to make sure that something is fair or accurate.

Meanings and Definitions: square up vs square with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

Square with

1Match, conform to.
What he said doesn't SQUARE WITH what the others said.
2Check with someone that something is OK.
I'll have to CHECK that WITH my boss before I can confirm it.

Usage Examples: square up, square with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

square with

Example

His explanation squares with the facts we have.

Example

Her statement squares with the witness's account.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Square up

pay off

To pay back a debt or settle an account.

Example

He finally paid off his student loans after years of hard work and saving.

settle the score

To get revenge or even the score with someone who has wronged you.

Example

After years of being bullied, he decided to settle the score by confronting his former tormentor.

clear the debt

To pay off a debt or obligation completely.

Example

She worked hard to clear her debt and finally achieved financial freedom.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Square with

make sure

To ensure or verify that something is accurate or correct.

Example

Before submitting the report, she double-checked to make sure all the data was accurate.

be in line with

To conform or comply with a certain standard or expectation.

Example

The new policy needs to be in line with the company's values and mission statement.

fair and square

To be honest, just, and equitable in one's actions or decisions.

Example

The referee made sure that the game was played fair and square without any cheating or foul play.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “square”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Phrasal Verbs with “with”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: square up or square with?

In daily conversation, people use square up more often than square with. This is because square up is used for more practical tasks such as paying bills or debts. Square with is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about making sure something is fair or accurate. So, while both phrases are used, square up is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Square up and square with 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 square up and square with

The tone of square up and square with can differ based on context. Square up often carries a practical or urgent tone when related to settling a debt or payment, while square with typically has a more thoughtful and reflective tone, especially when referring to fairness or accuracy.

square up & square with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Square up

Synonyms

Antonyms

Square with

Synonyms

match
correspond
conform to
agree with
align with
coincide with
accord with
harmonize with

Antonyms

contradict
oppose
disagree with
conflict with
clash with
differ from
vary from
deviate from