Cool MateEnhance vs Step it up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Enhance
Top 5,000 (fairly common)B2verb
Step it up
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: EnhanceMost common: Step it up
| Enhance | Step it up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈhɑːns/","/ɪnˈhɑːnsɪz/","/ɪnˈhɑːnst/","/ɪnˈhɑːnsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈhæns/","/ɪnˈhænsɪz/","/ɪnˈhænst/","/ɪnˈhænsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //stɛp ɪt ʌp//🇺🇸 //stɛp ɪt ʌp// |
| Meaning | To improve something and make it better. | To improve or increase something. |
| Example | The new software will enhance the overall performance of the computer. | You need to step it up if you want to get good grades this semester. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | considerably, dramatically, greatly, can, could, may, digitally enhanced, surgically enhanced | step it up a notch, step it up in effort, step it up for performance, step it up during training, step it up in quality |
| Antonyms | degrade, diminish, reduce | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'enhancement' in noun form., Using 'enhance' without an object (it needs something to enhance)., Incorrectly using as a synonym for 'increase' in unrelated contexts. | Forgetting to add an object after 'step it up'., Confusing with 'step up', which has a slightly different meaning., Using it in overly formal contexts. |
| Usage notes | Used in both professional and casual contexts. More common in writing than speaking. Avoid in informal situations where simpler words may suffice. | Used informally to encourage someone to improve performance or effort. Not suitable for formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Enhance vs Step it up
What's the difference between Enhance and Step it up?
Enhance: To improve something and make it better. Step it up: To improve or increase something.
Which is more formal: Enhance and Step it up?
Enhance is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Enhance and Step it up?
Step it up is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Enhance: The new software will enhance the overall performance of the computer. Step it up: You need to step it up if you want to get good grades this semester.
Can I use Enhance and Step it up interchangeably?
Not always. Enhance and Step 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.