What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shore up
Example
The government has promised to shore up the economy with new policies. [shore up: verb]
Example
We need to shore up our defenses before the storm hits. [shore up: phrasal verb]
underpin
Example
The research underpins the theory that climate change is caused by human activity. [underpins: verb]
Example
The success of the project was underpinned by careful planning and execution. [underpinned: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shore up is more commonly used in everyday language than underpin. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, from personal relationships to economic policies. Underpin, on the other hand, is more formal and is often used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shore up and underpin?
Underpin is more formal than shore up and is often used in academic or technical writing. It is a precise term that is used to describe providing a foundation or basis for something. Shore up, on the other hand, is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
