Cool MateBoost vs Turn it up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Boost
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Turn it up
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: BoostMost common: Boost
| Boost | Turn it up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/buːst/","/buːsts/","/ˈbuːstɪd/","/ˈbuːstɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/buːst/","/buːsts/","/ˈbuːstɪd/","/ˈbuːstɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //tɜːn ɪt ʌp//🇺🇸 //tɜrn ɪt ʌp// |
| Meaning | to increase or improve something | Make something louder, like music. |
| Example | to boost exports/profits | Can you turn it up? I can barely hear the music. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | considerably, dramatically, greatly, help (to), to | turn up the volume, turn it up loud, turn it up high |
| Antonyms | decrease, diminish, reduce | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'boast' – they have different meanings., Using 'boost' with uncountable nouns incorrectly., Confusing transitive use of 'boost' with intransitive. | Using 'turn up' without an object, e.g., 'turn it up' not 'turn up'., Confusing with 'turn it down', which has the opposite meaning., Mixing up with 'turn on', which means to start something. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts, such as improving performance or enhancing qualities. Avoid in highly formal contexts. | Used mainly in casual conversations, especially regarding music or sound settings. Avoid in formal contexts. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Boost vs Turn it up
What's the difference between Boost and Turn it up?
Boost: to increase or improve something Turn it up: Make something louder, like music.
Which is more formal: Boost and Turn it up?
Boost is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Boost and Turn it up?
Boost is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Boost: to boost exports/profits Turn it up: Can you turn it up? I can barely hear the music.
Can I use Boost and Turn it up interchangeably?
Not always. Boost and Turn 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.