Hurry up vs Let's move it

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

Hurry up

InformalTop 2,000 (common)

Let's move it

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
 Hurry upLet's move it
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈhʌri ʌp//🇺🇸 //ˈhɜri ʌp//🇬🇧 //lɛts muːv ɪt//🇺🇸 //lɛts muːv ɪt//
MeaningDo something faster.Let's go or do something quickly.
ExampleYou need to hurry up or we will miss the train!Come on, everyone, let's move it before it starts to rain!
RegisterInformalInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationshurry up and wait, hurry up before, hurry up tomove it quickly, move it along, move it now
Common mistakesOmitting 'up', saying just 'hurry'., 'Hurry up' used in formal writing., Using 'hurry up' without an object or activity.Using in formal contexts where more polite phrases are required., Confusing with 'Let's move on' which implies changing topics., Overusing in situations where a more specific instruction is needed.
Usage notesCommonly used in casual contexts to prompt someone to act more quickly. Avoid in formal situations.Use this phrase to encourage action or speed. Often used in casual situations among friends or peers.

See it in real clips

Hurry up
Let's move it

Frequently asked questions: Hurry up vs Let's move it

What's the difference between Hurry up and Let's move it?

Hurry up: Do something faster. Let's move it: Let's go or do something quickly.

Can you show an example of each?

Hurry up: You need to hurry up or we will miss the train! Let's move it: Come on, everyone, let's move it before it starts to rain!

Can I use Hurry up and Let's move it interchangeably?

Not always. Hurry up and Let's move it 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.

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