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Phrasal verbs "stay on" vs "stay up"

Differences between stay on and stay up

Stay on usually means to continue doing something or to remain in a particular place, while stay up generally means to remain awake or to keep someone or something awake.

Meanings and Definitions: stay on vs stay up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Stay on

  • 1Remain longer than anticipated.

    She STAYED ON after she graduated to do a Master's degree.

Stay up

  • 1Not go to bed.

    The children STAYED UP until way past their bedtime.

Usage Examples: stay on, stay up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

stay on

Example

She decided to stay on at the company after her internship ended.

Example

He stays on at work late to finish his tasks.

stay up

Example

I usually stay up late on weekends.

Example

She stays up late to finish her homework.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stay on

keep going

To continue doing something without stopping or giving up.

Example

Despite the challenges, she decided to keep going and finish the marathon.

stick with it

To persevere or persist in doing something despite difficulties or setbacks.

Example

If you want to learn a new language, you need to stick with it and practice every day.

carry on

To continue doing something without interruption or distraction.

Example

We need to carry on with the project and meet the deadline.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stay up

burn the midnight oil

To stay awake late at night to study, work, or complete a task.

Example

She had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report before the deadline.

pull an all-nighter

To stay awake all night to study, work, or complete a task.

Example

He had to pull an all-nighter to prepare for the exam.

keep someone up

To prevent someone from sleeping by making noise or engaging in activities.

Example

The loud music from the party next door kept me up all night.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in stay on vs stay up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: stay on or stay up?

In daily conversation, people use stay up more often than stay on. This is because stay up is used for more common situations such as staying awake to study, watch a movie, or attend a party. Stay on is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used in work or business contexts when we're talking about continuing with a task or project. So, while both phrases are used, stay up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of stay on and stay up

Stay on and stay 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 stay on and stay up

The tone of stay on and stay up can differ based on context. Stay on often carries a determined or focused tone when related to completing a task or project, while stay up typically has a playful or energetic tone, especially when referring to social activities or entertainment.

stay on & stay up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Stay up

Synonyms

  • remain awake
  • not sleep
  • keep awake
  • keep vigil
  • burn the midnight oil

Antonyms

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