Cool MateAccelerate vs Hey can we hurry it up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Accelerate
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Hey can we hurry it up
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: AccelerateMost common: Accelerate
| Accelerate | Hey can we hurry it up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əkˈseləreɪt/","/əkˈseləreɪts/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪd/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əkˈseləreɪt/","/əkˈseləreɪts/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪd/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //heɪ kæn wiː ˈhʌr.i ɪt ʌp//🇺🇸 //heɪ kæn wi ˈhɝ.i ɪt ʌp// |
| Meaning | To go faster or make something go faster. | To ask if something can be done faster. |
| Example | The company aims to accelerate the development of new technologies. | Hey, can we hurry it up? The show starts in ten minutes. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | dramatically, greatly, rapidly, hard, quickly, smoothly | hurry it up a bit, can we hurry it up, let's hurry it up, hurry it up, please, hurry it up right now |
| Antonyms | decelerate, slow down | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'decelerate' (which means to slow down)., Using 'accelerate' without an object when it should have one., Incorrectly assuming it can only apply to vehicles. | Using 'hurry up it' instead of 'hurry it up'., Failing to use 'can we' when making a polite request., Using inappropriately in formal situations. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and casual contexts, often related to speed, processes, or improvements. Not typically used in very informal conversation. | Used in casual conversation. Not suitable for formal contexts, such as business meetings or polite requests. |
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Frequently asked questions: Accelerate vs Hey can we hurry it up
What's the difference between Accelerate and Hey can we hurry it up?
Accelerate: To go faster or make something go faster. Hey can we hurry it up: To ask if something can be done faster.
Which is more formal: Accelerate and Hey can we hurry it up?
Accelerate is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Accelerate and Hey can we hurry it up?
Accelerate is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Accelerate: The company aims to accelerate the development of new technologies. Hey can we hurry it up: Hey, can we hurry it up? The show starts in ten minutes.
Can I use Accelerate and Hey can we hurry it up interchangeably?
Not always. Accelerate and Hey can we hurry 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.