Attach vs Hook it up

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Attach

Top 1,000 (very common) B1 verb

Hook it up

Informal Top 3,000 (common)

Most formal: Attach Most common: Attach

	Attach	Hook it up
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/əˈtætʃ/","/əˈtætʃɪz/","/əˈtætʃt/","/əˈtætʃɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/əˈtætʃ/","/əˈtætʃɪz/","/əˈtætʃt/","/əˈtætʃɪŋ/"]/	🇬🇧 //hʊk ɪt ʌp// 🇺🇸 //hʊk ɪt ʌp//
Meaning	to connect or fasten something to another thing	Connect or set something up.
Example	Please attach the document to your email before sending it.	Can you hook it up to the TV?
Register	Neutral	Informal
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 3,000 (common)
CEFR level	B1	-
Part of speech	verb
Collocations	firmly, securely, loosely, to	hook it up to, hook it up with, hook it up for
Antonyms	detach, remove	-
Common mistakes	Confused with 'detach' – forgetting to use the right prefix., Using 'attaching' incorrectly in passive constructions., Not following with an object, e.g., 'attach to' instead of 'attach the document to'.	Using it in formal contexts, like business emails., Confusing it with 'hook up' (which can also mean to meet someone romantically).
Usage notes	Use 'attach' for both physical and abstract connections, like emails or documents. Less common in very formal writing. Avoid with informal language unless using slang.	Typically used in casual conversations. It's not suitable for formal writing or professional settings.

See it in real clips

Avengers › Avengers Infinity War

Right, we had to attach each neuron non-sequentially.

Attach

The Wire › S1 E1

That's it, here's a 20, hook it up.

Hook it up

Frequently asked questions: Attach vs Hook it up

What's the difference between Attach and Hook it up?

Attach: to connect or fasten something to another thing Hook it up: Connect or set something up.

Which is more formal: Attach and Hook it up?

Attach is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Attach and Hook it up?

Attach is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Attach: Please attach the document to your email before sending it. Hook it up: Can you hook it up to the TV?

Can I use Attach and Hook it up interchangeably?

Not always. Attach and Hook it up are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.