Differences between call up and patch up
Call up means to make a phone call or to summon someone to a higher position, while patch up means to repair or mend something that is broken or damaged, or to reconcile with someone after a disagreement.
Meanings and Definitions: call up vs patch up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Call up
- 1Summon someone for military service.
The army CALLED UP the reserve soldiers when the war broke out.
- 2Telephone.
I CALLED him UP as soon as I got to a phone to tell him the news.
Patch up
- 1Fix or make things better.
I tried to PATCH things UP after the argument, but they wouldn't speak to me.
- 2Give an injured person basic medical treatment.
After the accident, they PATCHED her UP and sent her to hospital.
Usage Examples: call up, patch up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
call up
Example
I need to call up my mom to check on her.
Example
She calls up her sister every weekend.
patch up
Example
I need to patch up the hole in my jeans.
Example
She patches up her relationship with her sister.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Call up
ring up
To make a phone call to someone.
Example
I need to ring up my friend and ask her about the party details.
dial up
To make a phone call by dialing the number.
Example
I'll dial up the restaurant and make a reservation for tonight.
phone up
To make a phone call to someone.
Example
I'll phone up my sister and see if she wants to come over for dinner.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Patch up
fix up
To repair or restore something that is broken or damaged.
Example
He needs to fix up his bike before he can ride it again.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “call”
Phrasal Verbs with “patch”
Differences in call up vs patch up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: call up or patch up?
In daily conversation, people use call up more often than patch up. This is because call up is used for more routine tasks such as making a phone call, while patch up is used less frequently and only when there is a need to repair something or reconcile with someone. So, while both phrases are used, call up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of call up and patch up
Call up and patch 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 call up and patch up
The tone of call up and patch up can differ based on context. Call up often carries a practical or urgent tone when related to making a phone call, while patch up typically has a more emotional tone, especially when referring to repairing a relationship or mending something that is broken.
