Cool MateBoost vs Step it up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Boost
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Step it up
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: BoostMost common: Boost
| Boost | Step it up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/buːst/","/buːsts/","/ˈbuːstɪd/","/ˈbuːstɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/buːst/","/buːsts/","/ˈbuːstɪd/","/ˈbuːstɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //stɛp ɪt ʌp//🇺🇸 //stɛp ɪt ʌp// |
| Meaning | to increase or improve something | To improve or increase something. |
| Example | to boost exports/profits | You need to step it up if you want to get good grades this semester. |
| 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 | 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 | 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. | 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 various contexts, such as improving performance or enhancing qualities. Avoid in highly formal contexts. | Used informally to encourage someone to improve performance or effort. Not suitable for formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Boost vs Step it up
What's the difference between Boost and Step it up?
Boost: to increase or improve something Step it up: To improve or increase something.
Which is more formal: Boost and Step it up?
Boost is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Boost and Step it up?
Boost is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Boost: to boost exports/profits Step it up: You need to step it up if you want to get good grades this semester.
Can I use Boost and Step it up interchangeably?
Not always. Boost 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.