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Phrasal verbs "step aside" vs "step up"

Differences between step aside and step up

Step aside means to move out of the way or to allow someone else to take your place, while step up means to take action or responsibility for a situation.

Meanings and Definitions: step aside vs step up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Step aside

  • 1Leave a job or position so that someone else can take over.

    Everyone thinks that the prime minister should STEP ASIDE so that someone new can lead the party into the election.

Step up

  • 1Increase.

    The police have STEPPED UP the pressure on beggars working the Underground.

Usage Examples: step aside, step up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

step aside

Example

The manager decided to step aside and let his assistant take over the project.

Example

She steps aside gracefully when it's time for a new leader to take charge.

step up

Example

We need to step up our efforts to meet the deadline.

Example

She steps up her game when the competition gets tough.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Step aside

make way

To move out of the way or create space for someone or something else.

Example

The crowd had to make way for the ambulance to pass through.

yield the floor

To give up one's turn to speak or perform in a public setting.

Example

After his speech, he yielded the floor to the next presenter.

stand down

To withdraw from a position or situation, especially when it involves conflict or competition.

Example

The candidate decided to stand down from the election after facing criticism from the public.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Step up

take charge

To assume control or responsibility for a situation or task.

Example

She decided to take charge of the project and delegate tasks to her team members.

rise to the occasion

To meet or exceed expectations in a challenging situation.

Example

Despite the pressure, she was able to rise to the occasion and deliver a successful presentation.

shoulder the burden

To take on a difficult or heavy responsibility.

Example

As the team leader, he had to shoulder the burden of making tough decisions and managing conflicts.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “step”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in step aside vs step up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: step aside or step up?

In daily conversation, people use step up more often than step aside. This is because step up is used to encourage someone to take action or responsibility, while step aside is used in more specific situations like moving out of the way or allowing someone else to take over. So, while both phrases are used, step up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of step aside and step up

Step aside and step 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 step aside and step up

The tone of step aside and step up can differ based on context. Step aside often carries a polite or submissive tone when related to moving out of the way or allowing someone else to take over, while step up typically has a confident and assertive tone, especially when referring to taking action or responsibility.

step aside & step up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Step aside

Synonyms

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