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Phrasal verbs "step up" vs "wait up"

Differences between step up and wait up

Step up means to take action or make an effort to improve a situation, while wait up means to slow down or pause to allow someone to catch up.

Meanings and Definitions: step up vs wait up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Step up

  • 1Increase.

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

Wait up

  • 1Not go to bed because you are waiting.

    I was worried and WAITED UP until they got home safe and sound.

Usage Examples: step up, wait up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

wait up

Example

Please wait up for me; I'll be home soon.

Example

She always waits up for her husband when he works late.

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 team members.

rise to the occasion

To meet a challenge or difficult situation with determination and effort.

Example

Despite the unexpected setbacks, the team was able to rise to the occasion and deliver the project on time.

put in effort

To make a conscious and sustained effort towards achieving a goal or improving a situation.

Example

He knew that he had to put in effort to improve his grades and started studying regularly.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wait up

hold on

To wait or pause for a short period of time.

Example

Can you hold on for a minute? I just need to grab my phone from the other room.

slow down

To reduce speed or pace in order to allow someone to catch up.

Example

He asked his running partner to slow down so that he could keep up with her pace.

hang on

To wait or pause for a short period of time, often used in informal conversations.

Example

Hey, hang on a second, I just need to finish this text message.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: step up or wait up?

In daily conversation, people use wait up more often than step up. This is because wait up is used in social situations when we want to ask someone to slow down or wait for us. Step up is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about taking responsibility or making an effort to improve something. So, while both phrases are used, wait up is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Step up and wait 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 up and wait up

The tone of step up and wait up can differ based on context. Step up often carries a serious or urgent tone when related to taking responsibility or improving a situation, while wait up typically has a friendly and casual tone, especially when referring to waiting for someone to catch up.

step up & wait up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Wait up

Synonyms

  • stay awake
  • stay up
  • remain awake
  • keep vigil

Antonyms

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