match up

match up — phrasal verb

  • match upbase form
  • matches up3rd person singular
  • matching up-ing form
  • matched uppast simple

1. Facts or figures from two sources match up when comparing them shows no differen

1.片語動詞不及物B1
釋義

Facts or figures from two sources match up when comparing them shows no differences between them.

例句

Jason checked the receipts against the bank statement, and the amounts matched up perfectly.

match up (of two sets of numbers)

The witness's story did not match up with the video footage from the shop.

match up with + noun phrase

同義詞
  • agree

    more general; does not always imply comparison of exact figures

  • correspond

    more formal, common in academic or official contexts

  • tally

    used specifically for numbers or accounts

反義詞
  • differ

    suggests a general difference, not necessarily a conflict

  • contradict

    stronger; one piece of information directly opposes another

文法句型

match up

match up with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Commonly followed by 'with' to name the second piece of information. Frequently used in negative contexts to highlight discrepancies between records.

常見錯誤

The numbers match each other up.
The numbers match up.
💡'match up' already suggests a relationship between two things; adding 'each other' is redundant.

2. When two physical objects or parts match up, their shapes or edges fit exactly t

2.片語動詞不及物B1
釋義

When two physical objects or parts match up, their shapes or edges fit exactly together so they can connect or work as a single unit.

例句

Takeshi pushed the two Lego blocks together, and the grooves matched up with a click.

match up (physical parts fitting)

The plumber checked that the cut ends of the pipes matched up before joining them.

同義詞
  • fit

    shorter and more general; 'fit together' is the fuller equivalent

  • align

    emphasises correct positioning along a line or edge

反義詞
  • mismatch

    the parts do not correspond in shape or size

  • misalign

    the parts are not positioned correctly relative to each other

文法句型

match up

match up with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used in instructions for assembly or construction. Can describe parts that slot, snap, or connect along edges.

常見錯誤

The puzzle pieces match up together.
The puzzle pieces match up.
💡'up' already conveys the idea of joining; adding 'together' is redundant.

3. To be at the same high level of quality, skill, or success as someone or somethi

3.片語動詞不及物B2
釋義

To be at the same high level of quality, skill, or success as someone or something else, especially when compared directly.

例句

The new hotel's service did not match up to the five-star standard that Emre expected.

match up to + standard/expectation

Esteban ran fast, but his time could not match up with the world record.

match up with + record/achievement

同義詞
  • rival

    more competitive tone; suggests active competition

  • equal

    more direct and formal; often used for records or achievements

反義詞
  • fall short of

    phrasal verb expressing failure to reach the expected level

文法句型

match up to + noun phrase

match up with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often appears in negative or conditional sentences to express disappointment or comparison. Usually followed by 'to' (standard British) or 'with' (common in both varieties).

常見錯誤

This matches up the previous record.
This matches up to the previous record.
💡when comparing quality or achievement, add 'to' or 'with' after 'match up'.

4. To choose or arrange something that has a similar colour, pattern, or style to a

4.片語動詞及物B1
釋義

To choose or arrange something that has a similar colour, pattern, or style to another thing, so that they look attractive together.

例句

Alessia matched up the blue paint with the fabric samples from the sofa.

match up + object + with + object

The wedding planner matched up the tablecloths and napkins to share the same shade of gold.

同義詞
  • coordinate

    more specific to design; suggests deliberate pairing

  • pair

    simpler and more general; works for any two items put together

反義詞
  • clash with

    when colours or patterns conflict visually

文法句型

match up + noun phrase + with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Takes a direct object (the item being matched) followed by 'with' (the item it is matched to). Common in interior design, fashion, and event-planning contexts.

常見錯誤

I matched up the sofa with the carpet in the living room colour.
I matched up the sofa with the carpet in the living room.
💡'match up' already implies similarity in appearance; adding 'colour' is unnecessary.

5. To discover a connection or similarity between two facts, events, or people, oft

5.片語動詞及物B2
釋義

To discover a connection or similarity between two facts, events, or people, often as part of a search or investigation.

例句

The detectives matched up the suspect's phone records with the time of the robbery.

match up + evidence + with + event/time

By matching up the two diary entries, Adina realised the meetings were connected.

同義詞
  • connect

    broader; does not necessarily imply discovery through comparison

  • link

    emphasises a meaningful relationship between two items

反義詞
  • separate

    to keep two items apart or treat them as unrelated

文法句型

match up + noun phrase + with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Common in investigative or analytical contexts such as police work, historical research, or data analysis. Usually followed by 'with' to specify what is being compared.

常見錯誤

The police matched up the evidence together.
The police matched up the evidence with the suspect's story.
💡specify what is being connected to what; do not just say 'together.'