Phrasal verbs "suck in" vs "suck up"

Differences between suck in and suck up

Suck in usually means to inhale or draw something inward, while suck up generally means to flatter or be overly nice to someone in order to gain their favor.

Meanings and Definitions: suck in vs suck up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Suck in

  • 1Become involved in something unpleasant.

    Everyone around her was taking drugs and she got SUCKED IN.

Suck up

  • 1Try to ingratiate yourself.

    He is always SUCKING UP to try to get the boss's approval.

Usage Examples: suck in, suck up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

suck in

Example

He didn't want to join the gang, but he got sucked in by peer pressure.

Example

She sucks in her friends into her drama.

suck up

Example

He is always sucking up to try to get the boss's approval.

Example

She often sucks up to the teachers for better grades.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Suck in

To breathe in air or other substances.

Example

She took a deep breath and inhaled the fresh mountain air.

To pull or attract something towards oneself.

Example

The magnet was strong enough to draw in all the metal objects in the room.

To absorb or comprehend information or ideas.

Example

It took her a while to take in all the details of the complex legal document.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Suck up

brown-nose

To flatter or be overly nice to someone in order to gain their favor.

Example

He's always brown-nosing the boss to get ahead in his career.

kiss up to

To flatter or be excessively nice to someone in order to gain their approval or favor.

Example

She's always kissing up to the teacher to get better grades.

butter up

To flatter or be excessively nice to someone in order to gain their favor or support.

Example

He's always buttering up his clients to get more business.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “suck”

Phrasal Verbs with “in”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in suck in vs suck up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: suck in or suck up?

In daily conversation, people use suck up more often than suck in. This is because suck up is used in social situations, especially in the workplace, to describe someone who is trying to impress their boss or colleagues. Suck in is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about breathing or drawing something inward. So, while both phrases are used, suck up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of suck in and suck up

Suck in and suck up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, suck up can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, but it may come across as insincere or manipulative.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of suck in and suck up

The tone of suck in and suck up can differ based on context. Suck in often carries a neutral or matter-of-fact tone when related to breathing or drawing something inward, while suck up typically has a negative connotation and implies insincerity or manipulation.

suck in & suck up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Suck in

Synonyms

  • become involved
  • get drawn into
  • get caught up
  • be influenced
  • be lured

Antonyms

Suck up

Synonyms

  • flatter
  • ingratiate oneself
  • brown-nose
  • butter up
  • curry favor

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