Differences between stack up and stack up against
Stack up means to accumulate or pile up objects on top of each other, while stack up against means to compare or measure something against a standard or expectation.
Meanings and Definitions: stack up vs stack up against
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Stack up
- 1Put things in a pile.
I STACKED UP the boxes.
- 2Accumulate.
Work STACKED UP while I was away on holiday.
- 3Increase, accumulate something.
I've been STACKING UP a lot of air miles.
- 4Be logical, make sense.
The budget figures don't STACK UP.
- 5Build up the number of planes waiting to land at an airport.
Planes were STACKING UP while the airport was closed after the bomb threat.
Stack up against
- 1Be as good as something.
The new model doesn't STACK UP AGAINST the old one.
Usage Examples: stack up, stack up against in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
stack up
Example
Please stack up the chairs after the meeting.
Example
He stacks up the newspapers every morning.
stack up against
Example
How does this product stack up against the competition?
Example
She stacks up against the other candidates quite well.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stack up
pile up
To accumulate or gather objects on top of each other.
Example
The dishes started to pile up in the sink after the party.
build up
To construct or create something by adding layers or components.
Example
The team worked hard to build up a successful business from scratch.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stack up against
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “stack”
Phrasal Verbs with “up against”
Differences in stack up vs stack up against: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: stack up or stack up against?
In daily conversation, people use stack up more often than stack up against. This is because stack up is used for more physical actions such as organizing items or building structures. Stack up against is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're comparing things or evaluating performance. So, while both phrases are used, stack up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of stack up and stack up against
Stack up and stack up against 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 stack up and stack up against
The tone of stack up and stack up against can differ based on context. Stack up often carries a neutral or practical tone when referring to organizing or building, while stack up against typically has a critical or evaluative tone, especially when comparing performance or abilities.
